Former Wales and British & Irish Lions wing Louis Rees-Zammit shocked the rugby world today, as it was announced that he will leave the sport in pursuit of a career in the NFL. Gloucester Rugby confirmed that Rees-Zammit has left the club with immediate effect, in a move that has sent shockwaves through Welsh rugby.
Rees-Zammit’s announcement came just a matter of hours before Warren Gatland named his Wales squad for the 2024 Six Nations. Rees-Zammit was considered a cornerstone of the Welsh attacking line, yet this departure has put Gatland in a difficult position for the upcoming Championships. The aptly nicknamed ‘Rees-Lightning’ is amongst the fastest players in modern rugby, with a devastating turn of pace that sees him leave defending players in his tracks.
Rees-Zammit’s scoring record speaks for itself, as he scored 42 tries in 77 matches for Gloucester. On the international scene, ‘LRZ’ has been just as devastating, with 14 tries in 32 matches for Wales. The 22-year-old was travelled to South Africa for the 2021 British & Irish Lions Tour, and became the youngest player since 1959 to wear the iconic red jersey. However, now Rees-Zammit is moving on to American Football, and has accepted a place on the NFL International Player Pathway. The flying wing has not yet been signed to a team, yet any franchise out in the United States would be lucky to obtain the services of Rees-Zammit.
So, after such monumental news so close to the 2024 Six Nations, let’s have a look back at five other players who have also played both rugby and American football.
1. Martin Johnson – Leicester Panthers
Unbeknownst to the knowledge of some England fans, 2003 Rugby World Cup winning captain Martin Johnson, could have played a different sport all-together. Growing up, Johnson was an avid fan of American Football, and starred for his local Leicester Panthers side at tight-end. The widest position on the offensive line, the soon to be England lock suited the role due to his impressive physicality and speed into contact.
Thankfully for England fans, Johnson opted against a career in the NFL and instead pursued the egg-shaped ball on our side of the Atlantic. Johnson soon turned his full focus to rugby union, and went on to break into the Leicester Tigers squad for the 1989 Premiership season. Five Premiership titles, three Champions Cups and the immortalised Rugby World Cup win then followed, before Johnson hung up his boots and joined the England coaching staff in 2008.
2. Gavin Hastings – Scottish Claymores
Being a leading figure in the Scottish back-line for nine years was not enough for Gavin Hastings, who after a decorated career in rugby, pursued a brief stint in American Football. The six-capped British & Irish Lion utilised his footballing talents in the sport, and joined NFL Europe team the Scottish Claymores as a place-kicker in 1996. Hasting’s American Football career was a brief yet admitedly successful run, as the Claymore’s won the World Bowl in his only season in the sport.
Hasting’s on-field career for the Claymores saw him slot 24 of his 27 conversions, after his side had scored a touch-down. Apart of the Special Teams unit of the squad, Hasting’s was soley utilised for the extra-points, however he missed his only attempt at the posts from a field goal position. One of Scotland’s finest ever full-backs, Hastings’ career swap following his rugby retirement was a rather interesting affair.