Tuesday’s news of Wales and Gloucester flyer Louis Rees-Zammit’s decision to chase a career in the National Football League (NFL) caught many rugby union supporters by surprise.
The timing of his move is not ideal as it comes shortly before Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign against Scotland in Cardiff on February 3 and Rees-Zammit’s absence will be a big blow for Warren Gatland’s side.
The 22-year-old is on his way to the United States to join the NFL International Player Pathway which gives elite athletes from around the world the chance to earn a spot on an NFL roster and increase the number of international players in the league.
However, ‘s code switch was met with shock by most rugby fans with Mark Koliasnikoff’s comment – when the story broke on Planet Rugby – capturing the mood perfectly. “Had to check my calendar to make sure it isn’t April 1st,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, the reaction from social media particularly on X, formerly Twitter, was of a similar vein with most fans shocked by the news. Rugby Inside Line said: “BREAKING: Louis Rees-Zammit to join the NFL pathway. HUGE SHOCK on the eve of the Six Nations. He has left Gloucester with immediate effect.”
Rugby World reacted to the news by saying: “Wow.
Bombshell news as Louis Rees-Zammit quits rugby to chance his arm at the NFL. He won’t play for in the .”
The Times’ rugby correspondent Alex Lowe simply said: “Shock announcement on the day that Wales name their Six Nations squad – Louis Rees-Zammit to quit rugby in a bid to make it to the NFL.”
While the The Telegraph’s acting editor, Gareth Davies added: “Things I never thought I’d see today. Louis Rees-Zammit is leaving Gloucester…for the NFL. Wild news.”
The Good the Bad and the Rugby said: “Wales and Gloucester winger Louis Rees-Zammit is set to leave rugby union to join the NFL international player pathway (IPP).
Do you think this is a risk worth taking?”
However, popular rugby podcaster and former Scotland international second-row Jim Hamilton is one of the few rugby supporters who feels Rees-Zammit is making the right decision by going to the NFL, and said: “Buzzing for @LouisReesZammit if not now then when. An incredible athlete that has the potential to make millions.”
Elsewhere, Scotland rugby fan, Graham Love, slammed the timing of the decision after the wing scored a crucial try for Gloucester against Edinburgh last weekend, joking: “If only Louis Rees-Zammit had decided to swan off to the NFL before the Edinburgh game.
Or better yet the 2021 Six Nations…”
Looking forward, Peter Gillibrand was already studying the statistics and noted something interesting for NFL fans. “Interestingly, the fastest player in the NFL is the Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill – recording a top speed of 22.01mph. Louis Rees-Zammit recently clocked 24.2mph,” he wrote.
Similarly, John Evely was mulling over Rees-Zammit’s possible role in the sport, saying: “It will be fascinating to see what position Louis Rees-Zammit is played at in the NFL. It has to be a receiver for me, possibly with some special teams action for punt returns.”
