By Gareth James
Louis Rees-Zammit has signed for Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs, according to a report in the United States.
Rees-Zammit is set to join the Chiefs’ practice squad, having impressed during his time on the NFL’s international player pathway.
The 23-year-old former Wales and Gloucester rugby union wing’s signing is expected to be confirmed on Friday, with running back and wide receiver his designated positions.
The move comes after he visited several NFL franchises, including the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos.
Rees-Zammit’s next goal is to win a place on the Chiefs’ final roster for the new season, joining their star players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in targeting a third-successive Super Bowl.
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The Gloucester, Wales and Lions wing stunned the world of rugby in January by quitting the sport in an attempt to secure a contract with an NFL team in 2024.
That dream moved a step closer when he impressed during last week’s pro day that forms part of the international player pathway.
Rees-Zammit clocked 4.43 seconds in his 40-yard dash, a 9ft 7in broad jump and 29-inch vertical jump.
“I fancy a new challenge and what a better challenge than to be in the NFL,” Rees-Zammit told CNN.
“I’ve been training really hard for seven or eight weeks now and I think I’m in a good position. I feel smooth, I feel comfortable and I’m ready to show everyone what I can do.”
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NFL off-season workouts begin in April, with rookie training camps starting the following month.
Full training camp begins in July before teams would usually confirm their final 53-player rosters by the end of August, with the new season beginning on September 5.
The 23-year-old, who made 32 appearances for Wales, was released from his contract at Gallagher Premiership club Gloucester.
He broke into Gloucester’s senior team in 2019, becoming the club’s youngest ever Premiership player at 18 years and 70 days, and signed his first professional contract in January 2020.
Rees-Zammit was also included in the squad for the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, scoring three tries in four appearances.
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