Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit has announced he will quit rugby union with immediate effect.
The 22-year-old is plotting a future in American Football and will join the NFL International Player Pathway (IPP).
Rees-Zammit had won 31 caps for Wales since making his debut against France in October 2020.
The Gloucester star was set to be named in Warren Gatland's squad for the upcoming Six Nations.
Louis Rees-Zammit has quit rugby for NFL
Getty
But just minutes before the squad was announced, Rees-Zammit revealed he would be leaving the sport altogether.
It brings an end to his time at Gloucester, a club he has been at since 2018.
He became Gloucester's youngest-ever player in the Premiership aged 18 years and 70 days and the club's youngest European player.
Rees-Zammit released a statement on his personal Instagram account confirming his decision at around 12.40pm on Tuesday.
He thanked Gloucester for their support throughout his time with them.
He also revealed why he felt the time was right to give up his international rugby career.
Rees-Zammit said: "Gloucester Rugby has been a huge part of my life.
"From the start at Hartpury College and my first professional rugby contract with Gloucester in 2020, to my Wales and Lions caps; the Club has been central to my development as a player, and I’m so grateful for their support.
"I will always be very proud of my time at Kingsholm and want to particularly thank the incredible fans who make the Club so special.
"Also, to my teammates, to George Skivington and Alex Brown, thank you for giving me such special memories and for supporting this next stage of my career.
"I have had the incredible honour of playing rugby for my country which, as a proud Welshman, I’ve never taken for granted.
"However, I believe that this is the right time for me to realise another professional goal of playing American football in the US.
"Those opportunities don’t come around very often."
NFL UK also released a statement on Instagram confirming Rees-Zammit had joined the IPP.
It read: "We are excited to welcome Louis Rees-Zammit to the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) program for 2024.
"The IPP program provides opportunities for elite international athletes to compete for a potential spot on an NFL roster.
"Louis is an exceptional athlete with a dream to play in the NFL, and we look forward to supporting him on his journey in the program."
Wales coach Gatland spoke to the media after naming his squad, where five uncapped players have been picked.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Louis Rees-Zammit has given up his Rugby Union career
Getty
The New Zealander only learned of Rees-Zammit's decision earlier today.
He said: "I learned it about an hour ago. Spoke to Louis about half an hour ago.
"It’s a little bit of a shock. Gloucester had contacted about 12. Things have happened pretty quickly. Louis said he had an approach on Sunday.
"It’s something he’s always dreamed of. The paperwork has been agreed and signed and Gloucester have agreed to release him.
Warren Gatland only learned of Rees-Zammit's decision on Tuesday
Getty
"He rang me to give me that information, thank me for his time at the World Cup.
"He’s 22, he’s always dreamed of playing in the NFL. He feels if he doesn’t take that opportunity now, it might not come up.
"I wished him all the best. I asked him what are his next steps if it doesn’t work out, he said he’d come back."