Louis Rees-Zammit’s headline-making leap to the NFL’s International Player Pathway in January has ignited a “chain reaction,” as predicted by South Africa’s Handre Pollard. The renowned flyhalf, known for his sharp insights, has distanced himself from such a move. Rees-Zammit, formerly of Gloucester and Wales, officially confirmed his transition to the IPP just moments before Warren Gatland’s announcement of the Wales squad for the Guinness Six Nations. While previous players have ventured down this path, the 23-year-old’s move undoubtedly marks the most high-profile transition. With his bold step, Pollard believes a wave of other rugby talents will now contemplate following in the footsteps of the Welsh sensation.
Louis Rees-Zammit wasn’t the sole rugby convert to make headlines last month; former Northampton Saints and England U20 player Harry Mallinder also joined the fray, aiming for a role as a kicker or punter in the NFL.
Mallinder’s prospective role would align with Handre Pollard’s expertise, notably his match-winning penalty kick in the World Cup semi-final against England and his crucial point contribution in the final against the All Blacks.
However, in a candid conversation with Jim Hamilton on RugbyPass TV’s The Big Jim Show, the 29-year-old Pollard expressed that an NFL transition isn’t on his radar, emphasizing his love for the enjoyment and camaraderie of rugby.
While acknowledging the allure of a kicking role in the NFL, inspired by fellow Springbok Naas Botha, Pollard reaffirmed his passion for rugby’s thrill and camaraderie, indicating that the allure of the game’s unique atmosphere outweighs any potential interest in a career shift.
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