NFL Rumors: Rugby Star Louis Rees-Zammit to Visit Broncos, Chiefs After Jets, Browns

Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, attempting to transition to professional football, is reportedly set to meet with the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs this week.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Rees-Zammit's plans after he met with the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets last week.

Considered one of the best young rugby players in the world, Rees-Zammit shocked the sport when he announced he was stepping away to join the NFL International Player Pathway. He participated in last week's international player pro day and was listed as a running back/wide receiver/returner.

The 23-year-old ran a 4.43-second time in the 40-yard dash—a number the called a disappointment—and flashed raw potential as an athlete in on-field drills.

"I'm pretty happy with how I ran my routes, just about how fluid I could be, how I could show off my change of direction, how I can get in and out of breaks," Rees-Zammit said. "I think there are a lot of transferable skills. In rugby, you're always trying to get your hands on the ball as much as often and you're always trying to break defenses, look for spaces, be aware.

"Catching kickoffs, catch and kick receipts, punt receipts, there's a lot of transferable skills, and I think running back shows up probably best, getting the ball in my hand early, being able to pick a gap, being able to be aware of the surroundings."

The NFL has been attempting to increase its international foothold and added a 17th practice squad spot specifically for international players starting next season. Rees-Zammit will almost certainly find his way onto an NFL roster in 2024 based on the practice squad spot alone. The NFL International Player Pathway was established in 2017 and has resulted in 37 players being signed.

Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata is the most notable name to come from the program, developing into one of the NFL's premier tackles after being taken in the seventh round of the 2018 draft.