Wales rugby union star Louis Rees-Zammit made the shock resolution to go away the game on Tuesday as he targets the “once-in-a-lifetime” alternative of a profession in American soccer.
Rees-Zammit’s bombshell transfer got here on the day Wales head coach Warren Gatland unveiled his squad for the forthcoming Six Nations event.
The 22-year-old had emerged as considered one of rugby’s brightest younger abilities, excelling for Gloucester, Wales and the British and Irish Lions.
But Rees-Zammit has opted to show his again on rugby in favour of a probably profitable profession in America’s National Football League.
He will depart for Florida this week to start the ‘International Pathway Program’ (IPP) that enables athletes based mostly exterior the United States to forge a profession within the NFL.
Rees-Zammit, who has been capped 32 instances for Wales, stated the chance to chase his NFL dream was too good to show down.
“I have had the incredible honour of playing rugby for my country which, as a proud Welshman, I’ve never taken for granted,” he stated.
“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.
“I believe that this is the right time for me to realise another professional goal of playing American football in the US. Those opportunities don’t come around very often.”
Rees-Zammit claimed he was not essentially retiring from rugby, however he’ll miss the Six Nations, which begins in February, and has no plans to return to membership rugby within the short-term.
“Although this decision may come as a surprise, I would like to reiterate that this does not necessarily mean I am retiring from rugby,” he stated.
“At this age and stage of my life I am excited to explore a unique challenge that has the potential to diversify my skillset.” The present NFL season has reached the play-offs, that means Rees-Zammit would goal to earn a roster spot on a crew in time for the 2024 season, which begins in September.
“Louis is an exceptional athlete, with a dream to play in the NFL, and we look forward to supporting him on his journey in the program,” the NFL IPP stated in a press release.
Former England wing Christian Wade progressed from the worldwide pathway to hitch the Buffalo Bills 5 years in the past, however didn’t play in an everyday season recreation.
“It’s a little bit of a shock,” Gatland stated. “Things have happened pretty quickly in the last 24 hours.
“He rang me to let me know and give me that information, say thanks very much for his time at the World Cup and how he enjoyed it.
“He feels that if he doesn’t take that opportunity now, it might not happen again in the future.
“I wished him all the best. I’ve always been a great believer in players taking those opportunities that are presented for them. There is never a dull moment in Welsh rugby.” Rees-Zammit scored 5 tries finally 12 months’s World Cup and have become the youngest participant to be chosen for the British and Irish Lions since 1959 when he was named within the squad for the 2021 tour to South Africa aged 20 years and 93 days.
He had appeared within the final three Six Nations for Wales, scoring 4 tries of their victorious 2021 marketing campaign.
Source: www.news.com.au
