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Louis Rees-Zammit to quit rugby for a shot at playing in the NFL

By David Owens
Wales' Louis Rees-Zammit scores his sides fourth try of the game David Davies/PA Wire

Louis Rees-Zammit has announced he is to take a step back from rugby for a shot at playing American Football in the NFL.

He issued a statement on social media which detailed his reasons for the shock move.

Zammit has been released by his club Gloucester with immediate effect so he can “pursue his dream” of a career in American football.

The Gallagher Premiership club made the stunning announcement as Wales head coach Warren Gatland prepared to unveil his squad for the Guinness Six Nations Championship.

Gloucester said: “Gloucester Rugby have agreed to release winger Louis Rees-Zammit with immediate effect to enable the 22-year-old to pursue his dream of playing in the National Football League.

“The Welsh international has accepted an invitation to join the NFL International Player Pathway, which provides elite athletes from around the world with an opportunity to earn a place on an NFL roster.”

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In a post on social media LZR wrote: "I would like to take this opportunity to announce a significant career decision that I have taken after careful consideration. In a move that I am extremely excited about, I can confirm that I will be joining the NFL's International Player Pathway program (IPP) in pursuit of earning a spot on an NFL roster in the United States for 2024.

"Opting to step away from international rugby on the eve of the Six Nations has been a painstaking decision, but I am extremely excited to take up a once in a lifetime opportunity to pursue a new challenge. My immense gratitude also goes to Gloucester Rugby - a club that is extremely close to my heart - and particularly George Skivington and Alex Brown, for allowing me to head in a different direction over the next few weeks.

"Although this decision may come as a surprise, I would like to reiterate that this does not necessarily mean I am retiring from rugby, but rather at this age and stage of my life, I am excited to explore a unique challenge that has the potential to diversify my skill set.

"My best wishes go out to Wales for the upcoming Six Nations and year ahead, while I will continue to closely follow the continued progress of Gloucester from afar. To all my followers, fans and family, I thank you for your support, and look forward to having your backing throughout this next chapter.

pic.twitter.com/gO1jPLXDPA

— Louis Rees-Zammit ⚡️ (@LouisReesZammit) January 16, 2024

Welcome to the program 💪 @LouisReesZammit https://t.co/3OvJ4CJmld pic.twitter.com/e16wbtZYNb

— NFL UK (@NFLUK) January 16, 2024

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5 comments

Fi yn unig

Please tell me it’s April 1st. This is properly devastating and I despair. However, good luck Louis and if you’d care to change your mind, please do it before the six nations. Cheers Zam.

Reply
Dai Rob

Good. Massively overrated. Had speed yes, but the rest of his game was very poor, very limited skills. Also a fake Welshman, who wanted to play our home games in London. Will soon be forgotten.

Reply
Y Cymro

Bolt out of the blue. Wasn't expecting this news today. Only recently was watching LRZ score a wonder-try against Edinburgh. Not once was any move away from rugby was mentioned? Anyway, obviously the lure of big money is a factor, especially the chance to experience playing American Football & lifestyle in sunny Florida. I wish him well. Hopefully it will works out for him. Time will tell. Be interesting to see how he gets on.

Reply
Leigh Richards

Louis Rees -Zammit is of course entitled to do whatever he wants with his life. And while every Wales rugby supporter will be very disappointed by this news im sure we'll all wish him well out there. That said the timing leaves a bit to be desired. You also do have to feel for gloucester, who have been paying his wages and who are losing one of their best players without warning it seems. And while theres no doubting his prowess in union im afraid theres no guarantee he'll come thru the NFL trials. Yes he's fast but in the trials he'll be up against people who are just as fast as him (and who have been playing the game for years). And if he thinks he's felt big hits in union just wait till some of those huge defenders in NFL hit him (it's not for nothing that players from union havent made it in NFL). So while on the surface this might seem to be a story dripping with sporting romance you cant help but get the feeling the reality will turn out somewhat different. That said i hope im proved completely wrong and he scores the winning touchdown in the superbowl (preferably for the new york giants) in a couple of years time

Reply
Marc

“ every Wales rugby supporter will be very disappointed by this news” all except Dai Rob apparently!

Reply

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