International rugby star snubs Packers a day before visiting them

The Green Bay Packers had interest in adding another player via the International Player Pathway Program, but they won't get the opportunity.

Former rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit is aiming to make the transition to the NFL, where his combination of size and speed could make him an interesting option as a running back or returner.

The 23-year-old played rugby internationally for Wales and England's Premiership team Gloucester. Surprisingly, he decided to leave the sport in January with the intention of playing in the NFL, and the Packers were interested.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Packers were scheduled to host Rees-Zammit on Thursday. However, they will no longer get that opportunity.

Louis Rees-Zammit signs with Chiefs before scheduled visit with Packers

According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, Rees-Zammit is signing with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he will play running back and wide receiver and get an opportunity as a returner.

He signed with Kansas City only a day before his scheduled meeting with Green Bay. It's a shame the Packers won't get an opportunity to see what he can do, especially with the NFL's new kickoff rules.

It will be fascinating to watch his progress. Many of his skills as a rugby winger could translate to a role on special teams. He regularly had to catch deep kicks and use his speed and agility to make defenders miss.

The Packers weren't the only team interested. Along with the Chiefs, Rees-Zammit had met with the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Cleveland Browns. He now gets an opportunity with the back-to-back Super Bowl champions—just watch Andy Reid create a rugby-style play featuring laterals this season.

Green Bay already has one player on the roster as part of the International Player Pathway Program: linebacker Kenneth Odumegwu.

The Packers have high hopes for Odumegwu, who spent 2023 with the team and landed a futures contract at the end of last season.

"It's more than I expected it to be. I've really come a long way, integrating with the team. Getting to know my teammates more, them having trust in me. Learning football, living in Green Bay, it's been a great experience," said Odumegwu, per Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com.

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