Wales star Louis Rees-Zammit announced his decision to quit rugby and head for the NFL on the day their Six Nations squad was revealed.

The flying winger, 22, will join the International Player Pathway, which aims to bring stars into the sport from a variety of different backgrounds.

Rees-Zammit's decision will come as a blow to Gloucester and Wales, with coach Warren Gatland's Six Nations squad announcement overshadowed by the news.

He 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 team-mates, 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."

Standing 6ft 3in tall and weighing over 15st, Rees-Zammit will hope his physical tools can set him up for success Stateside.

The Dragons speedster, who has 14 tries in 31 caps, earned the nickname Rees Lightning thanks to his electrifying pace, which should stand him in good stead.

But fellow rugby stars Christian Wade, Alex Gray and Christian Scotland-Williamson all failed to cement a spot in the NFL via the same notoriously difficult path.

Gloucester chief executive officer Alex Brown said: "We understand the size of the opportunity before Zam and his lifelong ambition to play in the NFL. 

"Whilst we are naturally sad to see him leave, ultimately, we are not able to dissuade him from taking an opportunity of this magnitude with the NFL."