-Credit: (Image: NFL)
NFL hopeful and Frace Sevens star Joachim Trouabal says Louis Rees-Zammit “didn’t set the bar that high” in his 40-yard dash test.
Trouabal has been named as one of 14 athletes selected to take part in the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme. Among those included is Australia rugby star Jordan Petaia.
Last year, Rees-Zammit took part in the same programme and ended up getting a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.
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The programme aims to teach international athletes how to play American football in the space of 10 weeks, before they are put to the test in a series of physical challenges in the NFL Pro Day. They can come from any sporting background, with Olympic discus champion Roje Stona also a member of the upcoming camp.
As part of the Pro Day, the most highly-anticipated event is the 40-yard dash. Despite Rees-Zammit’s electric speed on the rugby field, he managed 4.44 seconds, which is not considered to be lightning quick. The Welshman was unhappy with his performance in the dash and in other areas, like broad jump and vertical jump.
One of those selected for the IPP programme in 2025 is Trouabal, a star for the French Sevens team. Speaking to Le Rugbynistère about his decision to leave rugby behind, he was asked whether he could beat Rees-Zammit’s time on the 40-yard dash. The record for the dash is 4.21 seconds, and was set by Xavier Worthy earlier this year at a separate combine.
“In the end, Louis Rees-Zammit didn’t set the bar that high,” said Trouabal as he laughed. “On the 40 yards, which the Americans like so much, I think there’s a way to go somewhere.”
Trouabal was then asked whether the media coverage around Rees-Zammit’s move to the sport broke the glass ceiling for hopefuls like himself. “It’s certain that he, like Christian Wade, are pioneers,” explained Trouabal.
“They tried something and showed that it was possible for a rugby player to exist in American football. After that, it’s only the beginning, but it gave the idea to many athletic profiles like me, I think, to try this adventure which promises to be exceptional.”
Despite not achieving his desired scoring on the Pro Day, Rees-Zammit grabbed attention from a plethora of top-class franchises and ended up being signed by the back-to-back Super Bowl champions – the Chiefs. However, despite signing a three-year deal, he was not selected for the final 53-man roster or practice squad, and ended up being without a team.
Rees-Zammit was eventually picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and is currently a member of their 17-player practice squad. The Welshman hopes to learn the game this year, and hopefully push for a place on the main roster for the 2025/2026 season.