Sport | Wales rugby star Rees-Zammit makes shock NFL switch

Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit at the Rugby World Cup

• Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit confirmed his shock decision to leave rugby and pursue a career in American Football.
• Rees-Zammit said the opportunity to chase his NFL dream was too good to turn down.
• Wales coach Warren Gatland learned on Rees-Zammit’s decision 24 hours before the decision was made public.
• For more sports news, go to the News24 Sport front page.

Louis Rees-Zammit made the shock decision to leave Gloucester with immediate effect on Tuesday as the Wales rugby union star “pursues his dream” of a career in American Football.

Rees-Zammit’s bombshell move came on the day Wales head coach Warren Gatland unveiled his squad for the forthcoming Six Nations tournament.

The 22-year-old had emerged as one of rugby’s brightest young talents, excelling for Gloucester, Wales and the British and Irish Lions.

But Rees-Zammit has opted to turn his back on rugby in favour of a potentially lucrative career in America’s National Football League.

He will leave for Florida this week to begin the ‘International Pathway Program’ that allows ath