Who is Louis Rees-Zammit and why is he stepping back from rugby?
IN January 2024, Gloucester and Wales winger Louis Reese-Zammit announced that he is stepping back from rugby union.
The sport star's bombshell decision to ''step away'' comes after ''careful consideration'' and ahead of the Six Nations.
Who is Louis Rees-Zammit?
Louis Rees-Zammit, born February 2, 2001, is a Welsh former rugby union player.
Rees-Zammit began playing rugby aged seven, before going on to pursue the sport as a career at the age of 16.
He earned his first professional contract at Gloucester aged just 18, before breaking into the Wales set-up the following year.
However, it was an incredible late try in a Six Nations win against Scotland in 2021 that saw Rees-Zammit's fame skyrocket.
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Discussing the moment, he said: ''After the Scotland try I got 70,000 Instagram followers overnight.''
During his rugby career, Rees-Zammit has been capped by Wales 32 times.
Aside from his sporting success, Rees-Zammit has also scooped up several endorsement deals.
He has signed with Adidas, energy drink Savitar, and also boasts a deal with BMW.
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As of January 2024, the sports star boasts over 250,000 fans and followers on the social media platform Instagram - where he regularly shares sporting snaps, as well as selfies taken during sun-soaked trips.
Why is Louis Rees-Zammit taking a step back from rugby?
On January 16, 2024, it was announced that Louis Rees-Zammit will ''step away'' from rugby union.
He has been released by his club side Gloucester with immediate effect.
A statement shared by the star on social media read: ''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.
"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."
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."
Is Louis Rees-Zammit moving to the NFL?
As mentioned above, Reese-Zammit is aiming to secure a spot on an American football team for 2024.
He will now travel to Florida to start on the IPP - a 10-week programme which gives athletes from around the world the chance to earn a spot on an NFL roster.
The 2024 NFL season is due to begin in early September.
Which rugby players have moved to the NFL?
Louis Reese-Zammit is now set to join a long list of rugby players who have also had dreams of moving to the NFL.
Those who have attempted the sports swap include Christian Wade and Alex Gray.
Who is Louis Rees-Zammit dating?
The sports star is dating influencer, YouTuber, and podcast host, Saffron Barker.
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The influencer made her first public outing with the Welsh star at the Hunger Games premiere, before sharing a picture of them both to social media in November 2023.
Before meeting Brighton-born Saffron, Louis dated the daughter of Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, Alicia.