1
'It's going to set off a chain reaction': Rees-Zammit's NFL move
By Josh Raisey
Louis Rees-Zammit's well-renowned move to the NFL's International Player Pathway in January will set off a "chain reaction", according to South Africa fly-half Handre Pollard, who says such a move is not for him.
The former Gloucester and Wales winger confirmed his move to the IPP in January, a matter of minutes before Warren Gatland was set to name his Wales squad for the Guinness Six Nations.
Other players have pursued this path before, but the 23-year-old is undoubtedly the most high-profile player to do so. As a result, the double World Cup winning Springbok thinks other rugby players will follow the Welshman's route.
Rees-Zammit was not the only former rugby player to make this move last month, as he has also been joined by former Northampton Saints and England U20 back Harry Mallinder, who is trying out as a kicker or punter.
Mallinder's role would be the one that would suit Pollard, who kicked the match-winning penalty in the World Cup semi-final against England last year before kicking all twelve points the week later against the All Blacks in the final.
However, speaking to Jim Hamilton on RugbyPass TV's The Big Jim Show, the 29-year-old said a move to the NFL does not appeal to him, saying "rugby's too fun".
"I enjoy the NFL, I watch quite a bit, but I've never thought of that," Pollard said when asked about trying out to become an NFL player.
"But for a guy like [Rees-Zammit] to leave, it's big. I think it's going to set off a chain reaction with a couple of guys.
"RG Snyman as a tight end, imagine that? If someone wants to go and try it, go for it, enjoy it, but I don't think it's not for me.
When asked whether he would be interested in becoming a kicker, following in the footsteps of fellow Springbok Naas Botha, Pollard said: "I get that, that's appealing, but rugby's too fun. I enjoy it. Even though it's cold in the winter down here in Leicester, running out at Welford Road with your guys together, blood, sweat and tears, I just love that and there's nothing else for me to be honest."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
3
Tyrone Green decision has huge bearing on his international future
4
Five legends to be inducted into World Rugby Hall of Fame
5
Latest Comments
Agreed. As a Saffa I have much respect for the ABs. I also have to say given any option I would ONLY prefer to lose to ABs. To lose to England is probably the most embarrassing think to happen to either of us.
There was a time when both of us lost to England and we both hated it. Thankfully those days are behind us. Kudos to you guys, kudos to ABs. But dear old BS seems to hate us Boks. No idea why.
Go to commentsI got the sense that holding him to it was kickback from SB and the rfu smarting at being jilted quite so soon, so unexpectedly and so publicly.
Seem to remember that they spoke to Gustard before appointing Joe and you really have to think he would have come in at a higher level?
Go to comments