Louis Rees-Zammit wins contract with NFL Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs - 'Can't wait to go'

Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs have confirmed the signing of former Wales rugby union winger Louis Rees-Zammit ahead of the new NFL season.

The 23-year-old announced earlier in the year that he would no longer represent Wales or Gloucester to instead pursue a career in the NFL via the International Player Pathway (IPP) programme.

The Welsh flyer had also represented the British & Irish Lions team in 2021.

On Friday, the Chiefs confirmed on their X account that they had signed Rees-Zammit.

The team have won three of the last four Super Bowls and feature star players such as Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes.

Rees-Zammit was one of the best-regarded wingers in rugby, and had competed in a pro day last week as part of the IPP, which began in 2017 in order to give athletes outside the North American system the chance to earn a spot in the NFL.

He put in a performance of 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash, according to reports, and his 194lb weight and 6'3" height put him in contention to play as a running back or wide receiver.

Pro day took place in front of 31 NFL scouting teams, and the player had also visited the New York Jets, Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns in addition to The Chiefs.

The Chiefs wrote 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-Zammit, in a video message on social media, said: "Hi Chiefs Kingdom, Louis Rees-Zammit here. Just signed, can't wait to go, and see you all at Arrowhead."

Rees-Zammit is not the first rugby player to attempt the switch using the IPP, as England winger Christian Wade was signed by the Buffalo Bills in 2019.

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