The Welsh winger revealed earlier this month (January 2024) that he had accepted an invitation to join the NFL International Player Pathway (IPP) in pursuit of earning a spot on a roster in 2024.
The announcement came on the eve of the 2024 Guinness Six Nations tournament which kicks off on Friday, February 2.
Welcome to the program 💪 @LouisReesZammit https://t.co/3OvJ4CJmld pic.twitter.com/e16wbtZYNb
— NFL UK (@NFLUK) January 16, 2024
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Rees-Zammit 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 (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 Glouster 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.”
He continued: “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 Glouster 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.”
Louis Rees-Zammit shares first photos from NFL programme
Rees-Zammit made the announcement he was quitting rugby union for a crack at the NFL on Tuesday, January 16 and later that week he was on a plane to Florida to begin the IPP programme.
Now the former Welsh and British and Irish Lions winger has shared the first photos of him in action in America.
Taking to his Instagram reel he shared two photos of him in action wearing NFL gear including a white guernsey with the familiar number 14 on it.
Louis Rees-Zammit has not ruled out a return to rugby union
Although Rees-Zammit said he is “unbelievably excited for the challenge ahead” and couldn’t wait to get over to America and get started he hasn’t fully ruled out making a comeback in rugby union.
In the statement he made announcing his move to the NFL, the 22-year-old said: “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.”
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