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This is the reality of how Louis Rees-Zammit can get into the NFL

By PA
Louis Rees-Zammit is the latest rugby to NFL convert hoping to make a successful switch to the biggest sport in the USA

Louis Rees-Zammit has announced he is swapping rugby union for a shot at the NFL.

Gloucester announced on Tuesday they are releasing the British and Irish Lions wing ahead of Wales making their squad selection for the Guinness Six Nations.

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Rees-Zammit has confirmed he is joining the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme and, here, the PA news agency looks at the road to American football being started by the 22-year-old.

What is the IPP programme?

The International Player Pathway has been in place since 2017, allowing select divisions to be allocated players.

Last September it was announced that the NFL is increasing opportunities for international players from next season as part of a league-wide initiative that will see practice squads expanded to 17 players if a qualifying player is included.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner and chair of the NFL international committee Joel Glazer said: “The opportunity for all 32 clubs to utilise an additional practice squad roster spot for an international player is a significant step forward in helping to identify, develop and enable more exciting talent from around the world to play in the NFL”.

What does the IPP involve?

Damani Leech, the former chief operating officer of NFL International and current Denver Broncos president, said: “The International Player Pathway programme provides athletes with a viable route to the NFL and an opportunity to further develop their skills”.

Many are evaluated for a potential place in the IPP through the annual NFL International Combine and the 2023 group spent 10 weeks at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, before playing in front of team scouts at a pro day held at the University of South Florida ahead of the NFL Draft.

What are the chances of success?

Last year’s International Combine featured 38 players from 13 countries and, following that, 13 talented athletes were invited to join the IPP programme in the US. Of those, a record eight were added to NFL rosters for the 2023 season.

None of those formed part of the active roster but were eligible for an international player practice squad exemption, allowing them time to develop in an NFL environment.

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What do they earn while trying?

The regular season salary for a practice squad member in 2023 was $216,000 (£170,700).

Who has come through the IPP system?

Washington Commanders defensive end Efe Obada is a graduate, leaving England and eventually joining Carolina Panthers in 2017 through the IPP programme before going on to Buffalo Bills and then DC. There are a handful of IPP players on active rosters in the 2023 season, including Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata. The 26-year-old was a burgeoning rugby league player in Australia before moving to the NFL, where he has flourished and featured in Super Bowl LVII.

Who else has tried to make it?

Former England Sevens player Alex Gray was part of the IPP and spent a period with Atlanta Falcons. Christian Scotland-Williamson spent two years with Pittsburgh Steelers after playing as lock for Worcester.

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Christian Wade was the most famous former rugby player from these shores to try his luck in the NFL, being allocated as a running back to Buffalo Bills in 2019. The one-cap England wing left last year and is now back in rugby union with Racing 92 in France. None of that triumvirate made a regular season appearance.

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1 Comment
K
KiwiSteve 435 days ago

Too small to be a utility tight end like Kelce. Yes, fast for wide receiver and the height helps but a flying missile defender will still take him out. Not sure what his USP is that the NFL doesn't already have? Still a couple of years in Florida, LA or Vegas would be fun.

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JW 1 hour ago
Rugby down under could have hit high gear with Anzac Tests

I’d have loved to see Bledisloe Cup rugby on Anzac Day.

Yes, but by now you must realize you don’t hold common opinions, let alone can think for New Zealand rugby’s best interests.

The preparation of the All Blacks is timed to the minute and introducing a test match in the middle of the Super Rugby Pacific season has the potential to throw that carefully managed system into chaos.

I don’t think that should come into it, it’s a business decision when it comes down to it. First though, it hasn’t passed the “is it OK to do?” has it.

I get that surrendering the cup isn’t something the current crop of NZR staff and governors eye with any relish, but I’ll continue to argue that it would ultimately be good for our rugby.

That view would be an oxymoron in their (most peoples) eyes.

I’ll be interested to know what fans think of seeing the proposed Anzac Day clash scuppered. Like, genuinely interested.

I hadn’t been expecting anything, but that’s likely because if it was in the spotlight to expect something, I would have expected the status quo to come out on top like every other time.

But RA’s Bledisloe proposal gives us an opportunity to wonder about how sacred the timing of this competition is and whether we couldn’t reimagine how the season is configured.

Isn’t that being determined now in conjunctin with World Rugby/every other union?

Perhaps RA’s desire to start Anazc Bledisloes from 2026 was a bit premature. Maybe 2028 or 2030 would give everyone enough time to decide how the game can be accommodated.

It could be their is reason to change in that time frame, but why on Nations League years? More pointedly, shouldn’t it be every year?

the idea that the Bledisloe Cup could become Anazc Day’s marquee sports event

I could probably easily get out of the idea these sorts of days aren’t for sport/fun to take center stage. It’s a mentality I don’t think holds everywhere already. But I’m happy to follow what those that really do care about the day (never been a dawn service person) think.

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