NEW YORK – Former Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit has agreed to a deal with the reigning National Football League (NFL) champions the Kansas City Chiefs, according to multiple media reports on March 28.

Rees-Zammit, a winger for Gloucester of the Premiership as well as internationally for Wales, said in January he was leaving rugby union to explore a career in American football.

He became part of the NFL International Player Pathway programme and worked out last week for league scouts.

A formal announcement of a deal between the Chiefs and Rees-Zammit is expected on March 29.

News of the agreement on terms came two days after NFL owners approved major changes to kick-off rules that make them closer to rugby kicks and could provide a perfect special-teams opportunity for the 23-year-old Welshman.

He is expected to be considered at running back and possibly as a wide receiver for the Chiefs.

NFL clubs receive a training camp roster exemption for an international player and, in 2024, have a practice squad berth available specifically for an international player.

NFL teams are allowed to elevate international players from the practice squad three times during the season, allowing greater opportunities for such players to play and have a chance to develop faster.

Rees-Zammit reportedly visited several NFL clubs before coming to terms with Kansas City.

The Chiefs have won back-to-back Super Bowl crowns and three titles in the past five seasons behind star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player and three-time Super Bowl MVP.

NFL owners changed kick-off rules so kickers still launch the ball from their 35-yard line. But the remainder of the kicking team will line up at the opponents’ 40-yard line and at least nine players of the receiving team will be positioned between the 30- and 35-yard lines.

Up to two receivers will handle the kick-off between the goal line and 20-yard line in the landing zone. Only the kicker and returners can move until the ball hits a receiver or the ground in the landing zone.

No fair catches will be allowed and there can be no surprise on-side kick attempts, although teams could still attempt them with advance notice using the traditional NFL kick formation. AFP