Louis Rees-Zammit: Wales winger to quit rugby to pursue NFL dream

Welsh rugby Union star Louis Rees-Zammit is to leave the sport with immediate effect to pursue a career in the NFL.

The British and Irish Lions back, who played his club rugby for Gloucester in the English Premiership, is aiming to secure a place on an American football team for 2024.

In a statement posted on social media, Rees-Zammit said: “I am extremely excited to take up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue a new challenge.” He admitted the decision, which will mean he will not now be part of the Wales squad for the upcoming Six Nations, which was named soon after his announcement, was “painstaking”.

He will now travel to Florida this week to start on the IPP – a 10-week programme which gives athletes from around the world the chance to earn a spot on an NFL roster. The 2024 NFL season is due to begin in early September.

Gloucester chief executive Alex Brown said: “We understand the size of the opportunity before Zam and his lifelong ambition to play in the NFL.” 

“Whilst we are naturally sad to see him leave, ultimately, we are not able to dissuade him from taking an opportunity of this magnitude with the NFL.”