Louis Rees-Zammit: Ex-Wales rugby star who quit to play in NFL fails to make Kansas City Chiefs’ squad

Former Wales rugby international Louis Rees-Zammit has missed out on a place in Kansas City Chiefs’ squad for the new season.

The 23-year-old quit rugby union in January ahead of the Six Nations tournament after deciding to enter a new sport through the NFL‘s international player pathway.

The former Gloucester winger, who also represented the British and Irish Lions, signed for defending Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs in March.

But Rees-Zammit, who has played primarily in the running back position, has missed out on a place in the Chiefs’ 53-man roster.

Despite having featured in all three pre-season games, his fate was announced on Tuesday ahead of the new NFL season.

The Welshman still has a chance to make the practice squad, and the Chiefs could call up practice squad members at later points in the season.

He could also be signed by another NFL franchise.

Wales took the wooden spoon at this year’s Six Nations after his departure.

Rees-Zammit had made 32 appearances for his country and scored 70 points for the national side.

The Chiefs have won the last two Super Bowl trophies, and three of the last five.

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Rees-Zammit told Sky News earlier this year that the decision to quit rugby was the “toughest” he had ever made.

He previously said he had “no preferences on teams” but wanted to be “at a club that supports [him]”.

“For my dad to be able to say that his son’s in the NFL would be the most proud moment of my life – not just my dad, my brother and mum are so supportive of me and I could never do this without them,” he added.