Wales head coach Warren Gatland has lifted the lid on the frantic timeline of events surrounding Gloucester wing Louis Rees-Zammit’s stunning departure from rugby.
Rugby followers were shocked by the news of Rees-Zammit’s exit from the Cherry and Whites with immediate effect, which also ruled him out of Six Nations duty in 2024.
That meant had to delay their squad announcement with revealing he had a phone conversation with Gloucester head coach George Skivington at midday.
“It’s a little bit of a shock,” Gatland said. “Gloucester had contacted us and I spoke to George Skivington about 12.
Things have happened pretty quickly in the last 24 hours.
“Louis said he had an approach on Sunday to go and do a training camp with the NFL. It is something he has always dreamed of having the opportunity to do.
“He slept on it on Monday and went to Gloucester, didn’t really think too much of it in terms of whether it would go ahead. He was told by his lawyers not to tell anyone.
“The paperwork has been agreed and signed and Gloucester have agreed to release him. 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.
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While shocked, Gatland understood ‘s decision and revealed that the wing would return to rugby if his National Football League dream doesn’t come to fruition.
“I wished him all the best. I’ve always been a great believer in players taking those opportunities that are presented for them,” said the coach.
“I said if it doesn’t work out, what are your next steps? He said he would come back to rugby.
“He just feels there is an opportunity for him and a time to do that. There is never a dull moment in Welsh rugby. It has been a bit of a rollercoaster in the last couple of hours.
“From my point of view, I want to wish Louis all the best. I honestly hope it all works out for him.”
