Louis Rees-Zammit quits rugby in shock move to pursue dream of NFL career

• Gloucester wing leaves club with immediate effect
• Player had been expected to be part of Wales squad

The Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit has stunned the rugby world on the eve of the Six Nations by announcing a career switch to American football with immediate effect. The 22-year-old confirmed the bombshell decision on the day of Wales's national squad unveiling and will leave for Florida this week to join the NFL's International Player Pathway.

Gloucester have agreed to release the winger to pursue his dream" of playing in the NFL rather than feature for his country in rugby's oldest international tournament in the coming months. The NFL International Player Pathway offers elite athletes from around the world the opportunity to earn a place on an NFL roster.