Former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit signs for NFL team

Former Wales rugby international Louis Rees-Zammit has signed for NFL champions Kansas City Chiefs.

The winger announced in January he was quitting rugby to chase his American football dream.

In a video posted by the club on its X homepage, he said: "Hi Chiefs Kingdom, Louis Rees-Zammit here.

"Just signed, can't wait to go and see you all at Arrowhead."

Rees-Zammit had made 31 appearances for his country and scored 70 points.

But the 23-year-old, who also played for Gloucester, joined the NFL's international player pathway ahead of a Six Nations tournament that saw Wales take home the wooden spoon.

Earlier this month, he told Sky News making it in the NFL would be the "most proud moment of [his] life".

He visited several NFL franchises, including the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos, but has settled on the Chiefs, who have won the last two Super Bowl titles and three of the last five, inspired by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

His dream moved a step closer when he impressed during last week's pro day that forms part of the international player pathway.

Scouts from all 32 NFL teams watched him go through his paces at the event at the University of South Florida.

Rees-Zammit clocked 4.43 seconds in his 40-yard dash, a 9ft 7in broad jump and 29-inch vertical jump.

He will try to win a place on Kansas City's final 53-man roster for the 2024 season, which begins in September.

Running back and wide receiver are his designated positions, but if he does not make it, he is likely to spend his first season on Kansas City's practice squad, the BBC said.