So that you’re 22 years previous. You’ve gotten all the time loved watching American soccer and you’ve got simply had a suggestion to go to Florida to gauge your potential to make it within the mega‑bucks NFL. No ensures however there may be an terrible lot of money on provide should you can crack the code. Do you say: “Sure, please”? Or do you say: “No, awfully sorry, we’re taking part in Castres within the Problem Cup on Friday”?
Place your self within the quick‑shifting boots of Louis Rees‑Zammit and, in deepest darkest January, you may see instantly why the final word American dream may enchantment: if I’m ok, candy; if not, no less than I gave it a go in my athletic prime. As LRZ made clear in his rapidly written farewell observe, this form of life-changing alternative doesn’t come round daily.
On the one hand, good luck to him. On the opposite, he has simply trashed the hopeful goals of hundreds of Welsh followers. Notably those that would noticed off their proper arm to signify their nation simply as soon as within the Six Nations at a packed Principality Stadium. A lot for the inexperienced, inexperienced grass of dwelling and the thrilling tingle of the pre-match anthems. It’s all about your private model today, bois bach.
Perhaps it’s naive or hopelessly old skool to really feel unhappy about probably the most thrilling Welsh again of his period being so fast to surrender on one thing so particular – by all accounts the decision from the States got here solely final Sunday evening, so he has not spent weeks agonising over it. Perhaps somebody, someplace may even have suggested him that the precipitous timing and lack of discover does him few favours. If it doesn’t work out stateside, common forgiveness will not be immediately forthcoming.
Then once more, Rees-Zammit has by no means been somebody to sit down round and watch for issues to occur. “Rees‑Lightning” has scored 14 tries in his 32 Assessments for Wales and his expertise is actual sufficient. So is his self‑confidence. As he instructed the Guardian in late 2021, he backs himself towards just about anybody. “The best way I have a look at it, the larger the person I’m up towards, the much less he’s going to maneuver.”
He’s going to require all his searing tempo and extra merely to make an NFL membership roster. Christian Wade was arguably even faster off the mark but in the end had his ambitions dashed. Aspiring to be a large receiver or a kick return specialist is all very nicely however hundreds of proficient sprinters within the States have already got an innate edge. The NFL Worldwide Participant Pathway programme awaiting Rees‑Zammit in Florida is merely the primary of many hurdles, with the chances stacked firmly towards him.
Some will argue that even the sight of him making an attempt on a pair of shoulder pads is nice information for rugby’s international profile in a nation the place the next-but-one World Cup might be staged in 2031. Others will reiterate that each particular person has a proper to make no matter choice feels proper for them. It’s not as if Welsh rugby is now awash with cash or possesses a stellar workforce. Rees-Zammit could have appeared round him and determined that skipping this specific Welsh Six Nations marketing campaign may not be absolutely the finish of the world.
Above all else, although, it’s a signal of the occasions, each in rugby and wider society. For all of the heartfelt latest eulogies to the nice JPR Williams, rugby now not exerts the identical magnetic pull in Wales that it as soon as did. Additionally it is a sport which calls for colossal dedication for a distinctly modest wage by American soccer requirements. In business phrases rugby is a pimple on the NFL’s hefty bottom and, from Gen Z’s perspective, there are sexier sports activities on the market.
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So why would athletes of their early 20s not wish to pattern life past Kingsholm or Cardiff Arms Park? Rees-Zammit’s property developer father, Joe, is a lifelong American soccer fan and there’s a huge extensive world on the market. If he finally ends up coming again to rugby, wiser for the expertise, there might be no scarcity of groups in Britain, France and Japan more than pleased to supply a contract to a participant who already has the priceless capability to place bums on seats.
Within the shorter time period, although, that doesn’t vastly help Wales. Or, doubtlessly, the British & Irish Lions in Australia subsequent yr. As a result of if he does return to characteristic within the 2025 Six Nations, Rees-Zammit is basically going to have to tear it as much as persuade Andy Farrell he deserves a spot forward of extra loyal, unselfish workforce gamers.
If that sounds a bit harsh, it’s merely a truth of life. Rugby union may typically be perceived as a Mickey Mouse sport in comparison with skilled gridiron however there are 143 years of Check match historical past woven into the purple jersey Rees‑Zammit has summarily tossed apart. He’s completely entitled to go to Florida and pursue no matter dream he likes however it is usually an enormous gamble. And when Wales’s gamers line as much as sing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau earlier than the Scotland recreation in Cardiff a fortnight on Saturday, it is likely to be finest to keep away from any badge-clutching.