Louis Rees-Zammit outlines 'hardest challenge' in Rugby Six Nations move to NFL

02 February 2024 , 15:17

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Louis Rees-Zammit turned his back on his flourishing rugby career to pursue his NFL dream (Image: No credit)

Louis Rees-Zammit suggested running sharp receiver routes is proving to be the most difficult challenge as he eyes a career in the NFL.

Last month, Wales and Gloucester winger Rees-Zammit sensationally revealed he is turning his back on rugby with immediate effect to enter the NFL’s International Player Pathway program. The IPP aims to help premier athletes earn a spot on one of the 32 rosters and increase the number of international players in the NFL.

Rees-Zammit, who scored 14 tries in 32 Wales appearances, left for Florida to join the IPP and get himself up to speed as the news sent shockwaves around the rugby world. He recently revealed tailoring his body and athleticism to the sharp, explosive bursts required from a receiver in the NFL has been the most difficult part as he transitions from rugby to American football.

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“I think the hardest challenge is probably… my body’s obviously not used to running full pace and then trying to stop immediately,” Rees-Zammit said in NFL UK YouTube series ‘The Pathway’. “I can definitely feel that in my legs at the minute but day by day I’m slowly getting used to it. My body will adapt and that will get smoother and smoother.”

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Blessed with remarkable speed, Rees-Zammit developed into one of the most exciting wingers in rugby, appearing for the British and Irish Lions on their tour of South Africa. Rees-Zammit scored five tries at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France as The Dragons reached the quarter-finals.

The former winger first made a name for himself at Gloucester, breaking into the team as a teenager before he made his debut for Wales in October 2020. Rees-Zammit has been considered one of the country’s brightest young prospects, and he was set to take part in the 2024 Six Nations - which begins this weekend.

However, Rees-Zammit has always harboured hopes of playing in the NFL. He added: “I think the first thought of being in the NFL was when I was a young boy, but I knew I had to play rugby for a long time before that. I’ve played for Gloucester since I was 16 years old - without them, I wouldn’t have done anything in rugby. I’ve played for my country, I’ve gone to a World Cup, I’ve played for The Lions. I’m very grateful for that and just allowing me this opportunity to come to the IPP programme and try to live my dream.”

Louis Rees-Zammit is hoping to secure a spot on an NFL practice squad roster (Alexa LoPiano)

The IPP Class of 2024 have undergone training in the United States at IMG Academy, and will have the opportunity to showcase their talents to NFL club scouts in March. After training camp, the group of 16 IPP athletes will be eligible to fill a 17th practice squad roster spot across any of the 32 teams following the rule change to add an additional spot for an international player ahead of the 2024 season.

The group boasts talent from eight nations, with athletes coming from various sporting backgrounds including rugby, basketball, track, Gaelic football and Australian football, among others. Rees-Zammit praised the camaraderie in the group as they each pursue their dream of playing in the NFL.

“We’re all from different places in the world,” the 22-year-old said. “We’ve never played American football before, we’re all different builds. You got massive guys who are offensive and defensive lineman, you got pacey guys like myself and Praise [Olatoke].

“We all push each other, we’re all accountable. At the end of the day, all of us want to play in the NFL and if we can help one of the boys do that then that’s going to be extra special.”

Since its inception, 37 international players have signed with NFL teams while 18 IPP athletes are currently on NFL rosters. Five players - Jordan Mailata, Jakob Johnson, Efe Obada, Sammis Reyes and David Bada - have been on active rosters since the program began in 2017, and the 2024 additions will hope to join them.

Andrew Gamble