Louis Rees-Zammit quits rugby for NFL before Six Nations – and Strictly Come Dancing star girlfriend is delighted
WALES and Gloucester winger Louis Rees-Zammit has announced he will leave rugby union to try to make it in American Football.
The 22-year-old released the bombshell statement just minutes before Wales’ Six Nations squad was revealed.
Rees-Zammit has been capped by Wales 32 times and is now aiming to earn a spot on an American football team for 2024.
He has been released by his club side Gloucester with immediate effect.
And the star took to Instagram to release a statement.
He said: “I would like to take the opportunity to announce a significant career decision that I have taken after careful consideration.
“I can confirm that I will be joining the NFL’s International Player Pathway program (IPP) in pursuit of earning a spot on an NFL roster in the United States for 2024.
“Opting to step away from international rugby on the eve of the Six Nations has been a painstaking decision.
“But I am extremely excited to take up a once in a lifetime opportunity to pursue a new challenge.
“Although this decision might come as a surprise, I would like to reiterate that this does not necessarily mean I am retiring from rugby.
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“But rather at this age and stage of my life, I am excited to explore a unique challenge that has the potential to diversify my skill set.”
And his girlfriend Saffron Barker who has been busy on Strictly Come Dancing commented: “So proud of you.”
In late 2023 the pair confirmed they were dating and have been spotted on each other’s social media pages ever since.
The pair made their first public appearance at the world premiere of the new Hunger Games in November.
And the influencer with over 2m followers has regularly posted about Louis on her social media channels.
Meanwhile, Wales boss Warren Gatland just moments later put out his Six Nations squad. They kick off their campaign in Cardiff against Scotland on February 6.
Rees-Zammit then sent his best wishes to his former team-mates for the upcoming championships.
He continued: “My best wishes go out to Wales for the upcoming Six Nations and year ahead.
“While I will continue to closely follow the continued progress of Gloucester from afar.”
Wales have a jammed-pack campaign coming up as they hit the road for clashes against England and Ireland before they welcome France and Italy to their home at the Principality Stadium.
Rees-Zammit began playing rugby aged seven, before beginning to pursue it as a career at 16.
He earned his first professional contract at Gloucester aged just 18, before breaking into the Wales set-up a year later.
Rees-Zammit has a profile that can put rugby back on the national agenda.
An incredible late try in a Six Nations win against Scotland in 2021 saw Rees-Zammit’s fame skyrocket.
And while top rugby players can sometimes find it difficult to break through into the public consciousness, Rees-Zammit has scooped up endorsement deals early on in his career.
He has signed with Adidas and energy drink Savitar – while he also has a deal with BMW.