Louis Rees-Zammit: How Wales star can fulfil his American dream

Can Louis Rees-Zammit transfer his skills to gridiron?

Louis Rees-Zammit has quit rugby to chase his "dream" - but how difficult will it be to make that come true?

The 22-year-old Wales and Gloucester wing stunned the rugby world by announcing his immediate departure from the sport to try his hand in the NFL.

It was as bold and brave as it was a surprise, forcing Wales to delay naming their Six Nations squad on Tuesday.

So what is next for Rees-Zammit, what can he expect from his switch and can he succeed where so many have failed?

Well just as he does on the pitch, there is no hanging about for the Cardiff-born flyer who is already packing his bags to head to Florida on Friday.

Even Wales head coach Warren Gatland was take aback with Rees-Zammit calling just an hour before the squad announcement.

What is the IPP programme?

The International Player Pathway Program helps foreign-born football players reach the NFL.

Since its inception in 2017, the program has provided elite international athletes with an opportunity to compete at the NFL level, improve their skills, and potentially earn a spot on an NFL roster.

Players can then earn a place with an NFL team's practice squad before final selection for the season roster.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Joel Glazer said the decision last September to expanding the scheme was a "significant step forward" in bringing global talent to the NFL.

What does the IPP involve?

Players spend 10 arduous weeks in an intensive camp at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where days can start as early as 05:00 and include studying the sport as well as working on skills.

Players are then evaluated through the annual NFL International Combine - a combination of test including bench press, 40-yard dash and shuttle drills - before playing in front of team scouts at a pro day held at the University of South Florida ahead of the NFL Draft.

What does Rees-Zammit offer?

Wales coach Gatland described him as a "freak" as an athlete.

Former Buffalo Bills coach Phoebe Schecter said: "His speed immediately jumps out at you. He has incredible straight-line quickness, great athleticism and at 6ft 3, he's got these great physical skills.

"To play for your country you must have that competitive mindset, that is half the battle when you're trying to make it in the NFL. Being willing to learn and develop is huge but it's not easy.

"Louis brings athleticism and physical size, but a lot will be his mental toughness. He's got to be willing to start from scratch again. He's going to go from the top of a sport in rugby union to being at the bottom of the NFL."

What position could he play?

Schecter added: "Maybe a receiver because of his size and his speed. You're potentially looking at special team positions like a returner.

"You want to find a way to put the ball in his hands and let him run with it, that's where he can make the magic happen."

From rugby to gridiron?

Rees-Zammit may not be the first Welsh rugby player to break into the NFL.

Evan Williams, of Bridgend, was told he was "too small" to play rugby in Wales but after earning a rugby scholarship in the US, he attracted the attention of college football teams as a punter.

Now he is chasing the dream of progressing to the next step into the NFL, but warned Rees-Zammit he faces a "humbling" adjustment.

"From the outside I was like, Oh how hard can this be?," Williams, now 23, told Radio 1 Newsbeat.

"But there's lots of nuances and differences, even the little changes like the shape of the ball. It's easy to hit the sweet spot because of a rugby ball because of how big it is. But the American football is much smaller and has a pointy end.

"Then you've got to wear a helmet and pads as well, and have these massive guys sprinting at you. It was all very overwhelming. The standard of athleticism is another step above."

Former Wales full-back Paul Thorburn played a friendly for the Los Angeles Rams at Wmebley

What do players earn while trying?

Rees-Zammit has given up his contract with Gloucester - and Six Nations earnings with Wales - for the camp.

If selected, the regular season salary for a practice squad member in 2023 was $216,000 (£170,700) and the potential riches of earning an NFL contract are staggering.

Quarterback Joe Burrow agreed a record new deal with Cincinnati Bengals last September worth $275m (£217m) over five years - the highest annual salary in NFL history.

What are the chances of success?

Last year was the most successful yet for the programme and saw eight of the original 38 athletes earn a roster place with teams for the 2023 season.

So far 37 international players have signed with NFL teams since the start of the program, hailing from a range countries including Nigeria, Germany and Tonga.

Who has come through the IPP system?

Washington Commanders defensive end Efe Obada is a graduate, leaving England and eventually joining Carolina Panthers in 2017 through the IPP programme before going on to Buffalo Bills and then DC.

There are a handful of IPP players on active rosters in the 2023 season, including former Australian rugby league player Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata.

The 26-year-old was a burgeoning rugby league player in Australia before moving to the NFL, where he has flourished and featured in Super Bowl LVII.

Who else has tried to make it?

Scotland full-back Gavin Hastings won the 1996 World Bowl with Scottish Claymores

Rees-Zammit is not the first British rugby player to make the switch but would be the first to appear in an NFL match.

As long ago as 1987, Wales full-back Paul Thorburn was invited to kick-off the Los Angeles Rams friendly against Denver Broncos at Wembley.

A contract with the Rams was said to be on offer but Thorburn failed to impress.

Ex-England and Wasps winger Christian Wade was the most famous to try his luck when he joined the Buffalo Bills under the IPP programme in 2019.

He scored a 65-yard touchdown on his Bills debut in pre-season but never made a regular season appearance and is now back in rugby union with Racing 92 in France.

Worcester lock Christian Scotland-Williamson spent two years with Pittsburgh Steelers as a tight-end, and former England Sevens player Alex Gray spent a brief period with Atlanta Falcons.

None of that triumvirate made a regular season appearance.

Team GB discus thrower Lawrence Okoye had a bit more time in the NFL - but no more regular season minutes.

Having reaching 2012 Olympic final in London, he took part in the 2013 NFL Combine and entered that year's draft.

He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent two years, before spells on the practice squads at Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins between 2015 and 2017.

He returned to athletics and won silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

If it all goes wrong?

Gatland says Rees-Zammit would be welcomed back in rugby.

"We are disappointed but you're in a professional sport environment for such a short time and you've got to make the most of the opportunities that come your way," said Gatland.

"I said if it doesn't work out, what are your next steps? He said he'd come back to rugby."

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