Wales and Gloucester winger Louis Rees-Zammit is to leave rugby union with immediate effect to join the NFL international player pathway (IPP).
The 22-year-old, who has been capped by Wales 32 times, described the decision as “painstaking”.
He is aiming to earn a spot on an American football team for 2024.
“I am extremely excited to take up a once in a lifetime opportunity to pursue a new challenge,” Rees-Zammit said.
Rees-Zammit said the move did not necessarily mean he was retiring from rugby.
“Rather at this age and stage of my life I am excited to explore a unique challenge that has the potential to diversify my skillset,” he said.
The IPP gives athletes from around the world the chance to earn a spot on an NFL roster.
The decision means Rees-Zammit will miss the upcoming Six Nations for Wales and is also stepping back from playing for his club Gloucester, where he has spent his whole career.
“My immense gratitude goes to Gloucester Rugby – a club that is extremely close to my heart – and particularly George Skivington (head coach) and Alex Brown (chief executive) for allowing me to head in a different direction over the next few weeks,” Rees-Zammit said.
“My best wishes go to Wales for the upcoming Six Nations and the year ahead, while I will continue to closely follow the continued progress of Gloucester from afar.”
More to follow.
