The Super Bowl champions, Kansas City Chiefs, have signed the former Wales rugby union international Louis Rees-Zammit.
Rees-Zammit, 23, quit rugby earlier this year to pursue a career in the NFL. He joined through the league’s international player pathway (IPP) and impressed the Chiefs during his trial, with running back and wide receiver his designated positions.
The Chiefs said on their website: “The Kansas City Chiefs made an international splash on Friday with the addition of former European rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit to the roster” and called him “Rees-Lightning”.
Rees-Zammit, who visited several NFL franchises, including New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos, said in a video posted by the Chiefs on X that he had “just signed, can’t wait to go, and see you all at Arrowhead [Stadium]”.
His next goal is to win a place on the Chiefs’ final 53-man roster for the new season, joining their star players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in targeting a third successive Super Bowl.
The former Gloucester, Wales and British & Irish Lions wing stunned the world of rugby in January by quitting the sport in an attempt to secure a contract with an NFL team in 2024. That dream moved a step closer when he impressed during last week’s Pro Day that forms part of the IPP.
The Chiefs said: “Rees-Zammit participated in the international player pathway programme workout earlier this month, which provided the former rugby star with an opportunity to show NFL scouts what he could do. His workout included a 4.44-second 40-yard dash, which would have ranked fifth among tailbacks at the 2024 NFL scouting combine.”
The Chiefs listed Rees-Zammit as a running back, a position where Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon are both free agents, which could leave little depth behind starter Isiah Pacheco.
Rees-Zammit’s former Wales teammate Josh Adams offered his congratulations, posting on X: “Trip to Kansas sorted then! Better order my LRZ chiefs jersey. LouisReesZammit Amazing mate fair play.”
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s Charlie Smyth, a Gaelic football goalkeeper with Down GAA, has signed a contract as a kicker with New Orleans Saints.
Smyth, 22, will compete for a roster spot with Blake Grupe, who made 30 of 37 field goals and all 40 of his extra points as a rookie last season.
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