5 Rugby players who crossed over to the NFL

The announcement of Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit leaving the sport to pursue an NFL career marks another high-profile case of a rugby player transitioning to American football.

Louis Rees-Zammit

In April 2024, Rees-Zammit signed a three-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs worth up to $2.85 million, including $250,000 guaranteed. This followed an impressive Pro Day performance and 10 weeks of intensive training with the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program (NFL IPP).

Christian Wade

Back in 2018, English rugby standout Christian Wade left Wasps to chase his NFL dream. He joined the Buffalo Bills as a running back and famously ran for a 65-yard touchdown on his very first play in a preseason game. Despite his promising start, Wade remained on the Bills’ practice squad until 2021, after which he returned to rugby and now plays for Racing 92 in France.

Hayden Smith

Hayden Smith, originally from Sydney, Australia, transitioned to rugby after playing NCAA basketball in the U.S. He later joined Saracens in England before switching to the NFL in 2012. Smith signed with the New York Jets as a tight end but played just one season, recording one catch for 16 yards.

Gavin Hastings

Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings ventured into NFL Europe in 1996, playing as a placekicker for the Scottish Claymores. He successfully made 24 of 27 extra points but missed his only field goal attempt, marking a brief but unique stint in American football.

David Tukatahi Dixon

David Dixon had one of the most successful transitions from rugby to the NFL. Starting in 1992 with the New England Patriots’ practice squad, he later joined the Minnesota Vikings in 1994, where he played 152 games over 13 seasons. Dixon also earned a Super Bowl ring with the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad and is one of only two Māori players in NFL history.

Jarryd Hayne

Australian NRL star Jarryd Hayne switched to American football in 2015, signing with the San Francisco 49ers. After an impressive preseason, he made the 49ers’ Week 1 roster but was cut and later rejoined the team on the practice squad. Hayne left the NFL in 2016 amid legal troubles involving an alleged sexual assault.

Jordan Mailata

Former New Zealand rugby player Jordan Mailata has become a cornerstone for the Philadelphia Eagles. Drafted in 2018, Mailata was scouted through the NFL International Player Pathway Program. The 6’8″, 320-pound athlete signed a $100 million contract extension after establishing himself as a dominant offensive lineman.

These players showcase the fascinating crossover between rugby and American football, highlighting the adaptability and athleticism required to succeed in both sports.

Source: https://www.americanfootballinternational.com/5-rugby-players-to-crossover-to-the-nfl/