Former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit has signed for Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs.
Rees-Zammit, who announced his decision to leave rugby union in January, impressed the Chiefs during his time on the NFL’s international player pathway, with running back and wide receiver his designated positions.
The Chiefs said on their official website: “The Kansas City Chiefs made an international splash on Friday with the addition of former European rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit to the roster.”
Rees-Lightning has arrived ⚡
Help us officially welcome @LouisReesZammit to Chiefs Kingdom! pic.twitter.com/6d7S4XQMLp
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) March 29, 2024
The 23-year-old, who visited several NFL franchises, including the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos, said in a video posted by the Chiefs on X that he had “just signed and can’t wait to go”.
Rees-Zammit’s next goal is to win a place on the Chiefs’ final roster for the new season, joining their star players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in targeting a third successive Super Bowl.
The former Gloucester, Wales and British and Irish 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.
Our newest Chief from across the pond! pic.twitter.com/Y6qjHTmCBC
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) March 29, 2024
That dream moved a step closer when he impressed during last week’s pro day that forms part of the international player pathway.
The Chiefs added: “Rees-Zammit participated in the international player pathway program workout earlier this month, which provided the former rugby star with an opportunity to show NFL scouts what he could do.
“His workout included a 4.44-second 40-yard dash, which would have ranked fifth among tailbacks at the 2024 NFL scouting combine.”
The Chiefs listed Rees-Zammit as a running back, a position where Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon are both free agents, which could leave little depth behind starter Isiah Pacheco.
Saints sign kicker Charlie Smyth ⚜️
Former Gaelic football goalkeeper joins Saints from International Player Pathway programhttps://t.co/DLlXZSRJ2l
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 29, 2024
Rees-Zammit’s former Wales team-mate Josh Adams offered his congratulations, posting on X: “Trip to Kansas sorted then! Better order my LRZ chiefs jersey. @LouisReesZammit Amazing mate fair play.”
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s Charlie Smyth, a Gaelic football goalkeeper with Down GAA, has signed a contract as a kicker with the New Orleans Saints.
Smyth, 22, will compete for a roster spot with Blake Grupe, who made 30 of 37 field goals and all 40 of his extra points as a rookie last season.