In a surprising turn of events, Welsh and Gloucester winger Louis Rees-Zammit has decided to bid farewell to rugby union, embarking on an immediate journey towards a promising career in the National Football League (NFL). The 22-year-old, with 32 caps for his country, expressed that the decision to enroll in the NFL International Player Pathway (IPP) was not taken lightly, describing it as a "painstaking" but exciting move.
Rees-Zammit is setting his sights on securing a spot on an American football team for the 2024 season, expressing immense enthusiasm for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Despite the shift in focus, he clarified that this doesn't necessarily mark the end of his rugby journey but rather an exploration of a unique challenge at this stage of his life.
Having risen through the ranks, Rees-Zammit made a significant impact on both the Gloucester team and the Welsh national squad. His standout performances, including five tries at the last autumn's World Cup, contributed to Wales reaching the quarter-finals. However, the winger is now bound for Florida to participate in the 10-week IPP program, where athletes from across the globe vie for a coveted spot on an NFL roster, with the 2024 season slated to commence in early September.
The news comes as a surprise to many, including Wales head coach Warren Gatland, who learned of Rees-Zammit's decision just an hour before the public announcement. Gatland acknowledged the shock but extended his best wishes to the young talent, expressing hope for a successful transition to the NFL.
Louis Rees-Zammit's departure means he won't be part of the Wales squad for the upcoming Six Nations, and he leaves behind Gloucester, the club that has been at the heart of his professional career. Despite the distance, Rees-Zammit expressed immense gratitude toward Gloucester, singling out head coach George Skivington and chief executive Alex Brown for their roles in his development. As he embarks on this new chapter, he wishes Wales and Gloucester continued success, promising to closely follow their progress from afar.