Wales rugby star Rees-Zammit makes shock NFL switch

Rees-Zammit's bombshell move came on the day Wales head coach Warren Gatland unveiled his squad for the forthcoming Six Nations tournament.

The 22-year-old had emerged as one of rugby's brightest young talents, excelling for Gloucester, Wales and the British and Irish Lions.

But Rees-Zammit has opted to turn his back on rugby in favour of a potentially lucrative career in America's National Football League.

He will leave for Florida this week to begin the 'International Pathway Program' that allows athletes based outside the United States to earn a career in the NFL.

Rees-Zammit, who has been capped 32 times for Wales, said the opportunity to chase his NFL dream was too good to turn down.

"I have had the incredible honour of playing rugby for my country which, as a proud Welshman, I've never taken for granted," he said.

"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.

"I believe that this is the right time for me to realise another professional goal of playing American football in the US. Those opportunities don't come around very often."

'Unique challenge'

Rees-Zammit claimed the move did not necessarily mean he was retiring from rugby, but he will miss the Six Nations, which starts in February, and has no plans to return to club rugby in the short-term.

"Although this decision may come as a surprise, I would like to reiterate that this does not necessarily mean I am retiring from rugby," he said.

"At this age and stage of my life I am excited to explore a unique challenge that has the potential to diversify my skillset."

The current NFL season has reached the play-offs,