16 January 2024 , 13:19
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Louis Rees-Zammit has announced his exit from rugby as he looks to land himself a team in the NFL.
The Welshman's bombshell decision comes just before Warren Gatland is due to select his Six Nations squad, which would've included the Gloucester winger. Rees-Zammit has become one of rugby's biggest stars since bursting onto the scene, which has already earned him caps with the British and Irish Lions.
Still just 22, Rees-Zammit had been linked with a move to France following his impressive exploits at Kingsholm, but will instead swap sports immediately. The Welshman has previously underlined his desire to be the best and open up on his decision in a social media post.
He said: "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 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 extemely 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."
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Rees-Zammit has maintained that this is not him announcing his retirement from rugby with a return to the sport very much a possibility in the future. The winger instead claimed he was "excited to explore a unique challenge that has the potential to diversify my skill set."
He concluded: "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."
The Welsh winger has been a huge hit an club and international levelRees-Zammit will follow in the footsteps on Christian Wade, the former Wasps winger who left the club midseason in October 2018 to pursue a career in American Football. The winger had been a huge success in the Premiership and earned himself a shot with the Buffalo Bills.
Despite scoring a 65-yard touchdown with his first run on his debut Wade was unable to establish himself in the main squad and was released by the Bills in 2022. He has since returned to rugby and plays for French outfit Racing 92.
"We understand the size of the opportunity before Zam and his lifelong ambition to play in the NFL," said Gloucester chief executive Brown. "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."