Welsh rugby star adjusts to new game at Chiefs rookie minicamp

Posted by author May 6, 2024 Football

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – A former Welsh rugby star turned Chiefs roster hopeful is adjusting to living in the United States, living in Kansas City and the game of American football.

“I achieved everything I wanted to in rugby, so I thought now was the perfect time,” Louis Rees-Zammit said.

The Chiefs signed Rees-Zammit to a three-year deal in March through the NFL’s International Player Pathway program.

He took his first reps in a Kansas City jersey at this weekend’s rookie minicamp as a running back.

“I’m trying to pick everyone’s brains and trying to pick up the sport as quick as possible because I want to be out there playing,” he said.

“This gave him an opportunity to really jump in and learn,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said.

“They’ve got unbelievable coaches here,” Rees-Zammit said. “It was where I was gonna learn the best, the best group of boys. It was just about having a plan for me and being able to prove what I can do and being able to translate my rugby skills into football.”

The 23-year-old is part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. This season marks the first time teams will be allowed an extra practice squad roster spot specifically for an international player. That player can be elevated to the active roster three times in a season.

“I’m fully focused on the now,” Rees-Zammit said. “You know, I gotta make the team. How am I gonna do that? I’ve gotta perform on the field, I’ve gotta learn the playbook, and then we’ll go from there.”

Nicknamed “Rees Lightning” in Wales for his speed, Rees-Zammit brings a wealth of athleticism to Arrowhead.

“I’ve always wanted to live in America,” he said. “It’s just the perfect time, trying to make it in the NFL and live over here.”

Now comes the challenge of learning a new sport.

“They do hold it a little bit different,” Reid said of the difference between rugby and American football. “Bigger ball. Not as pointy.”

“When I get the ball in my hand, it’s pretty similar, getting open field space – it’s about how I do that,” Rees-Zammit said. “The more reps I get, the better I’ll get. It’s gonna take time. It’s definitely going to take time, but I’m willing to put the work in.”