Wales and Gloucester winger Louis Rees-Zammit is about to sensationally go away rugby union with instant impact to hitch the NFL’s Worldwide Participant Pathway programme. Rees-Zammit, who scored 14 tries in 32 Wales caps, is now aiming to earn a spot on one of many 32 rosters within the NFL.
The IPP goals to assist premier athletes earn a spot on an NFL roster and improve the variety of worldwide gamers within the League. On Tuesday, Rees-Zammit took to social media to sensationally announce his transfer.
“I wish to take this chance to announce a big profession resolution that I’ve taken after cautious consideration,” the 22-year-old posted. “In a transfer that I’m extraordinarily enthusiastic about, I can affirm that I can be becoming a member of the NFL’s Worldwide Participant Pathway program (IPP) in pursuit of incomes a spot on an NFL roster in america for 2024.
“Opting to step away from worldwide rugby on the eve of the Six Nations has been a painstaking resolution, however I’m extraordinarily excited to take up a as soon as in a lifetime alternative to pursue a brand new problem. My immense gratitude additionally goes to Gloucester Rugby – a membership that’s extraordinarily near my coronary heart – and notably George Skivington and Alex Brown, for permitting me to go in a special route over the following few weeks.
“Though this resolution might come as a shock, I wish to reiterate that this doesn’t essentially imply I’m retiring from Rugby, however relatively at this age and stage of my life, I’m excited to discover a novel problem that has the potential to diversify my skillset.
“My greatest needs exit to Wales for the upcoming Six Nations and 12 months forward, whereas I’ll proceed to carefully observe the continued progress of Gloucester from afar. To all my followers, followers and household, I thanks in your help, and sit up for having your backing all through this subsequent chapter.”
Rees-Zammit’s gorgeous resolution means he can be absent from the upcoming Six Nations, with Wales naming their squad for the annual match after his announcment on Tuesday. He may even now not play for Gloucester, the place he has spent his complete profession.
The wing made his debut for Wales in October 2020 and scored 5 tries for his nation ultimately autumn’s World Cup. Wales reached the quarter-finals earlier than struggling defeat to Argentina.
Rees-Zammit additionally made eight appearances for Gloucester this season, scoring 4 tries – together with an unimaginable strive of their European Problem Cup win over Edinburgh final weekend. Hypothesis had linked him with a transfer to France’s High 14, however he’s going for a brand new problem solely.
Rees-Zammit will now journey to Florida this week to begin on the IPP programme.
