Warren Gatland, the Wales coach, has expressed his willingness to welcome back Louis Rees-Zammit to rugby if his American football career does not go as planned. Rees-Zammit, who was set to be named in Wales' training squad for the Six Nations, shocked the rugby world by announcing his decision to pursue an American football career through the NFL's International Player Pathway program. Despite being taken aback by the move, Gatland supports Rees-Zammit's decision and believes in following one's dreams. Rees-Zammit, who has an impressive record of 14 tries in 32 Tests for Wales, will have the opportunity to explore his passion for American football, but Gatland remains open to his return to rugby if things do not work out.
At the Six Nations launch in Dublin, Gatland stated that he understood Rees-Zammit's desire to pursue a dream in the NFL. He acknowledged that as a young person, it is important to follow one's dreams, and if it doesn't work out, there may be other opportunities or different pathways in the future. Gatland also highlighted Rees-Zammit's long-standing interest in the NFL, making his decision more understandable.
However, Gatland also emphasized that making it in the NFL would be a significant challenge for Rees-Zammit. He mentioned Christian Wade, a former England wing who attempted a similar switch to American football but eventually returned to rugby. Wade warned Rees-Zammit about the difficulties he might face, describing his time in the United States as "lonely." Wade's experience involved being in a new environment, training alone, and not having a support system due to the time zone differences. Gatland acknowledged the challenges but expressed his support for Rees-Zammit's decision, hoping that things would work out for him.
Gatland made it clear that if Rees-Zammit's American football career does not pan out, the door will be open for his return to rugby. The Wales coach believes in giving players opportunities to explore their dreams and passions, and if Rees-Zammit finds success in the NFL, Gatland will be happy for him. However, Gatland also assured Rees-Zammit that if the NFL dream fades, he will be welcomed back into the rugby fold.
The 22-year-old Rees-Zammit has already achieved considerable success in rugby, scoring five tries at the 2019 World Cup and becoming the youngest player to be selected for the British and Irish Lions since 1959. His decision to pursue American football may come as a surprise to many, but Gatland's support and understanding demonstrate his commitment to the players' personal and professional development.
As Wales prepares for the upcoming Six Nations campaign, Gatland remains focused on the task at hand. The team will face Scotland in their opening match on February 3, and Gatland will be looking to build a successful campaign with the players available to him. However, he also keeps the door open for the potential return of Rees-Zammit, recognizing the player's talent and the possibilities that lie ahead.
In conclusion, Warren Gatland's support for Louis Rees-Zammit's decision to pursue an American football career demonstrates the coach's commitment to the players' aspirations and dreams. While acknowledging the challenges Rees-Zammit may face in the NFL, Gatland remains open to his return to rugby if things do not go as planned. As Wales begins their Six Nations campaign, Gatland will focus on the players at hand but keeps the door open for Rees-Zammit's potential return in the future.
Comments
0 comment