Gloucester Rugby player to purse National Football League dream
Gloucester winger Louis Rees-Zammit will leave the sport to play American Football.
Gloucester Rugby have agreed to release Rees-Zammit with immediate effect. This will enable the 22 year old to pursue his dream of playing in the National Football League (NFL).
The Welsh international has accepted a place to join the NFL International Player Pathway which provides him with an opportunity to earn a place on the NFL roster.
Speaking on today’s news, Rees-Zammit said:
“Gloucester Rugby has been a huge part of my life. From the start at Hartpury College and my first professional rugby contract with Gloucester in 2020, to my Wales and Lions caps; the club has been central to my development as a player, and I’m so grateful for their support.
“I will always be very proud of my time at Kingsholm and want to particularly thank the incredible fans who make the club so special.
“I have had the incredible honour of playing rugby for my country which, as a proud Welshman, I’ve never taken for granted. However, I believe that this is the right time for me to realise another professional goal of playing American football in the US."
Gloucester Rugby's Chief Executive Officer, Alex Brown, said:
"We understand the size of the opportunity before Zam and his lifelong ambition to play in the NFL.
"Whilst we are naturally sad to see him leave, ultimately, we are not able to dissuade him from taking an opportunity of this magnitude with the NFL."