Ex Chiefs Rugby Star Louis Rees-Zammit Signs With AFC Rival

Former rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit will attempt to keep his NFL dreams alive on the Jacksonville Jaguars, signing to their practice squad just a day after being waived by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Rees-Zammit joined the Chiefs in March through the NFL's International Player Pathway program after a strong pro day performance. While he signed with the team as a running back, Kansas City also lined him up as a wide receiver and on special teams. He even tried out for the team as a kicker, but despite his versatility, was unable to make the team's 53-man roster.

The 23-year-old finished the preseason with six carries for 22 yards and one reception in three games. Although he wasn't the team's strongest performer in the preseason, he was always expected to be a developmental player for the Chiefs, and had potential to rejoin the team if he had cleared waivers.

Prior to being waived, Chiefs coach Andy Reid spoke positively about the rookie following his final preseason game.

"Yeah, we tried to get him the ball a little bit tonight, and he had some real positive yards," said Reid. "He’s a heck of an athlete. It’s just a matter of getting more familiar with it as he goes here. We’ll see how everything works out for him."

Related: Chiefs Cut Multiple Young Playmakers, Former Rugby Star

Instead, Rees-Zammit will join Jacksonville's practice squad where he will get more time to develop before getting action on the field. Before his pursuit to join the NFL, he spent over three years on Wales' international rugby team.