"It's a major hurdle that he needs to figure out" - NFL coach talks Louis Rees-Zammit

Former Welsh international Louis Rees-Zammit shocked the Rugby World last season when he quit the sport to pursue a career in the NFL.

Departing both his club Gloucester and Wales before his prime years was a major blow to both teams but it was a commendable move from a player clearly looking to chase his dream.

Since then, the former winger has undergone intense training firstly as part of the international player pathway program and later with his new team and the reigning Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs.

Discussing his progress ahead of what should be his first opportunity at live action in the upcoming pre-season, Chiefs assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Dave Toub said,

“For me, he’s been great. I mean, he’s doing a good job as a returner.

“He’s got to continue to get better as a running back. He’s got to learn stuff and pass blocking,

“I think is a, it’s a major hurdle that he needs to figure out, because that’s a big part of what we do in our offense. So that’s where he’s at.”

“That’s why I moved him over to PP (punt protection), which is exactly that it’s past blocking on the punt team,”

“So we’re trying to get them all the work we can to try to he’s on an accelerated program.” Toub concluded.

“We’re going to try to do everything we can to bring him up to speed. I don’t think there’s any question he could do it

“It’s not about his toughness, or anything like that. But he’s never done it against this level of calibre of football player. That’s the thing.

“That’s the speed and these guys have been doing this since they’ve been fifth grade. He’s been playing rugby since fifth grade.

“So there’s a learning curve.”

The 6’2″ and 95kg flyer has been listed as a running back with the Chiefs but has been seen lining up in different positions throughout training camp with the franchise.