Welsh rugby union star Louis Rees-Zammit made the shock decision to leave the sport on Tuesday after pursuing a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity as an American footballer.
Rees-Zammit’s bombshell move came on a day when Wales manager Warren Gatland unveiled his squad for the upcoming Six Nations tournament.
The 22-year-old has emerged as one of rugby’s brightest young talents, following outstanding performances for Gloucester, Wales and the British and Irish Lions.
But Rees-Zammit decided to turn his back on rugby to pursue a potentially lucrative career in the US National Football League.
He is scheduled to travel to Florida this week to launch the International Pathway Program (IPP), which allows players living outside the United States to pursue careers in the NFL.
Rees-Zammit, who won 32 caps for Wales, said the opportunity to chase his NFL dream was too good to turn down.
“As a proud Welshman, I have had the incredible honor of playing rugby for my country, something I have never taken for granted,” he said.
“It was a difficult decision to step away from international rugby just before the Six Nations, but I am thrilled to have the opportunity of a lifetime to pursue a new challenge.
“I believe now is the right time to realize another professional goal: to play American football in the United States. “An opportunity like that doesn’t come around often.”
Rees-Zammit insisted he does not necessarily need to retire from rugby, but will miss the Six Nations starting in February and has no plans to return to club rugby in the short term.
“Although this decision may come as a surprise, I want to reiterate that it does not necessarily mean I am retiring from rugby.”
“At this age and stage in my life, I am excited to explore unique challenges that have the potential to diversify my skills.” The NFL season has now reached the playoffs. This means Rees-Zammit will aim to secure a roster spot on the team in time for the 2024 season, which begins in September.
“Lewis is an outstanding athlete with a dream of playing in the NFL,” the NFL IPP said in a statement. “We look forward to supporting him on his journey with our program.”
Former England wing Christian Wade joined the Buffalo Bills from the national team five years ago but never played in a regular season game.
“It’s a little bit shocking,” Gatland said. “Things have happened pretty quickly in the last 24 hours.
“He called me and gave me the information and said he really appreciated his time at the World Cup and how he enjoyed it.
“He feels that if he doesn’t take that opportunity now, he may never get that chance again.
“I wished him the best. I have always been a firm believer in players taking advantage of the opportunities given to them. “There is never a dull moment in Welsh rugby.” Rees-Zammit scored five tries at last year’s World Cup and became the youngest player to be selected for the British and Irish Lions since 1959 when he was named in the squad for the 2021 tour of South Africa at the age of 20 years and 93 days.
He has appeared in the last three Six Nations for Wales, scoring four tries in the victorious 2021 campaign.
