Louis Rees-Zammit Drops Rugby For NFL Dream
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The news has dropped that Welsh superstar Louis Rees-Zammit will ditch rugby. He will embark on his journey to join the NFL as part of the NFL International Player Pathway. The news came as a shock to many earlier today.
Louis Rees Zammit
Rees-Zammit's incredible speed and try-scoring ability are well-known. The Welshman played club rugby for Gloucester. He has been a critical player for Wales for many years. Furthermore, he went on the British and Irish Lion tour to South Africa. The news broke on the day the Wales Six Nation squad came out. Here is what Rees-Zammit had to say on the topic.
"Gloucester Rugby has been a massive part of my life. I started at Hartpury College. I got my first professional rugby contract with Gloucester in 2020. The Club has been central to my development as a player. I'm so grateful for their support from my Wales and Lions caps.
I will always be very proud of my time at Kingsholm. I want to particularly thank the incredible fans who make the Club so unique. I also want to thank my teammates, George Skivington and Alex Brown. Thank you for giving me such special memories and supporting this next stage of my career.
I've had the incredible honour of playing rugby for my country. As a proud Welshman, I've never taken it for granted. Yet, this is the right time to realise another professional goal. I want to play American football in the US. Those opportunities don't come around very often."
What Do Gloucester Think
It leaves Gloucester losing a great player. The 22-year-old has only played rugby club rugby for the cherry and whites. Yet, on the flip side, it will free up a load of cap space. Gloucester's CEO has released a statement on the news.
We understand the size of the opportunity before Zam and his lifelong ambition to play in the NFL.
"Whilst we are sad to see him leave, we cannot dissuade him from taking an opportunity of this size with the NFL.
We remain very proud of Gloucester Rugby's role in helping to develop him. He has become a world-class player. We wish him the best in the US. He will always be welcome at Kingsholm."
Quotes via Gloucester Rugby
It will be a massive loss for Gloucester and Wales. Rees-Zammit will go to Florida this week to start working towards his goal.