Rugby player Louis Rees-Zammit of Wales resigns to pursue a career in the NFL.
The 22-year-old Rees-Zammit, who debuted in 2020 and has already accrued 31 caps, has abandoned his country in advance of the next Six Nations tournament.
The Gloucester wing will temporarily give up his rugby career in order to pursue an NFL contract through the sport’s International Player Pathway for the 2024–25 season.
“I would like to take this opportunity to announce a significant career decision that I have taken after careful consideration,” Rees-Zammit said in a statement on X.
“I can confirm that I will be enrolled in the NFL’s International Player Pathway program (IPP) in an endeavor to secure a roster place in the United States for 2024—a step about which I am very excited.”
“It has been a painstaking decision to opt to step away from international rugby on the eve of the Six Nations, but I am extremely excited to take up a once in a lifetime opportunity to pursue a new challenge,” he concluded.
“Georgia Rugby, a team very dear to my heart, and especially George Skivington and Alex Brown, have my sincere thanks for enabling me to choose a different course over the next weeks.
“Although my choice may come as a shock, let me clarify that it does not imply that I am giving up rugby; rather, at this point in my life and age, I am eager to take on a novel challenge that might broaden my skill set.
“While I will continue to keep a close eye on Gloucester’s progress from a distance, my best wishes go out to Wales for the forthcoming Six Nations and the coming year. I want to thank everyone of my fans, family, and followers for their support and say thank you for being there for me during this next phase.