Green Bay Packers Set To Visit With Intriguing Rugby Star

Amidst the flurry of NFL offseason activity, the Green Bay Packers are stirring up intrigue by hosting a prominent figure from the world of Welsh rugby for a visit.

Louis Rees-Zammit, formerly a standout wing and full-back for the esteemed Gloucester rugby club, is embarking on a journey through the NFL, courtesy of the league’s International Player Pathway program.

Insider details from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reveal that Rees-Zammit’s itinerary includes a pivotal meeting with the Packers scheduled for Thursday, March 28. Additionally, the Welsh athlete has engagements lined up with the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos.

The burgeoning interest from various NFL franchises is further accentuated by Rees-Zammit’s decision to secure professional representation. He has enlisted the services of Kim Miale, affiliated with Roc Nation, to navigate his NFL aspirations.

With teams across the league honing their strategies for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, Rees-Zammit is eagerly seeking an opportunity to showcase his talents in training camps.

Before setting his sights on the NFL, Rees-Zammit etched his name in rugby folklore as a prodigious talent. His remarkable journey began at a tender age when, at just 18, he became the youngest player ever to grace the Premiership stage for Gloucester.

From 2018 through 2024, Rees-Zammit made significant contributions to Gloucester’s cause while also representing his nation, Wales, in several prestigious Six Nations Championships. His prowess on the field translated into an impressive tally of 70 points for Wales at the international level, complemented by 190 points across 69 appearances for his club.

Despite his undeniable success in rugby, Rees-Zammit made the bold decision to pivot towards a new challenge in January, bidding farewell to his rugby career in pursuit of an NFL opportunity through the International Player Pathway program.

Since transitioning to American football, the Welsh sensation has been diligently preparing himself for the rigors of NFL trials. His efforts bore fruit during the IPP pro day, where he showcased impressive athleticism, clocking a swift 40-yard dash time of 4.43 seconds, along with a notable 9’7″ broad jump and 29-inch vertical jump.

The NFL’s International Player Pathway program stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes beyond the confines of the United States. With an additional practice squad spot allocated to international talents, the program aims to foster global participation in America’s most beloved sport. For Rees-Zammit, it represents a golden opportunity to script his own success story on the grand stage of the NFL.

It will be interesting to see if the Green Bay Packers decide to give him a shot.