Former Worcester lock Scotland-Williamson a step closer to playing NFL

Former Worcester Warriors lock Christian Scotland-Williamson took a big step towards realising his NFL ambition earlier today, joining the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Following the success of the International Player Pathway program last season, which saw NFC South teams afforded an extra space on their practice squads, the program has been expanded out to the AFC North, the division that the storied franchise call home.

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Scotland-Williamson follows in the footsteps of former England 7's player Alex Gray, who was on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad last season and signed a contract extension with the franchise earlier this year, as rugby players continue to turn their eye towards the riches of the NFL.

Alex Gray is hoping to make it in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons

Like Gray, the plan has been to use Scotland-Williamson at tight end, making the most of his size and handling skills, rather than on the defensive side of the ball, despite it being a highlight reel tackle that went viral and drew attention from the NFL to him when he was still at Worcester. The decision has yet to be finalised, though, and the Steelers will make a call on Scotland-Williamson's long-term position once they get a longer look at him in training camp.

The influence of rugby in the NFL continues to grow, from more and more teams adopting rugby tackling techniques to players like Gray and Scotland-Williamson making practice squads, not to mention Australian rugby league player Jordan Mailata being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 7th round of the NFL Draft on Saturday.

Due to the International Player Pathway, Scotland-Williamson is all but guaranteed a spot on the Steelers' practice squad this season, where he will be coached by James Daniels - should he stay at tight end - who has been with the Steelers for 14 seasons and helped develop Heath Miller into one of the most reliable and well-rounded tight ends in the league.

If he can impress on the practice squad this season, he could go up against the likes of Jesse James and Vance McDonald for a spot on the depth chart in 2019.

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