Louis Rees-Zammit has fired back at those who have criticised him for ditching rugby union for a chance of playing in the NFL.
The 22-year-old made the shock call to change sports and announced before Wales’ Six Nations squad announcement that he would be joining the NFL’s International Player Pathway Programme.
There has been mixed reaction to the news, with his decision drawing as much criticism as praise, while observers have also speculated on what it could mean for rugby.
Some say that it is a reflection of where the game is at, but others, including former England fly-half Andy Goode, have rubbished that notion.
“Whoever thinks that chasing his dream of playing in the NFL is a bad reflection on rugby needs to give their head a wobble!” Goode wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“Can’t wait to watch him follow his heart and take himself out of his comfort zone and try and crack the big time in the USA! Go smash it!”
After seeing that social media post from Goode, Rees-Zammit admits that it ‘adds motivation’ as he seeks to make his NFL dream a reality.
Responding to Goode’s post, the star wrote: “Don’t get why people can’t just be happy that I’m chasing my dreams. But hey ho life moves on and adds a bit of motivation.
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Despite still being young, Rees-Zammit has already established himself as one of the most talented wings in the game.
Blessed with remarkable pace and superb try-scoring instincts, he has starred for both club and country over the past few years.
He is now taking his athletic talents over to American football, although Rees-Zammit has stated that it does not mean his rugby career is over.
The 22-year-old revealed the reasons for his departure in an interview with Gloucester’s official site and why playing in the NFL would be special for him.
“I think now is the perfect time, with my age and picking up a new sport,” he said.
“It’s nothing about rugby; it’s an ambition to make my dream come true and play in the National Football League.
“As a little boy, my dad always brought me up to be a big NFL fan. He used to play American football. It’s about continuing his legacy and go beyond, making him proud. It’s the sport he grew up loving. I want to do that and make him as proud as I can.
“I fly to Florida on Friday, and then it’s a 10-week intensive camp. At the end of the 10 weeks I basically find out if I’m good enough and if a team wants me. If so, the season starts in August. So, I’m looking forward to the next 10 weeks and making my dreams become a reality.
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