Switching from rugby to American football might sound like a long shot, but it’s far from impossible.
Both sports share a core need for physical power, speed, and quick decision-making under pressure. Rugby players often excel in these areas, and their skills in tackling, spatial awareness, and endurance transfer surprisingly well to the gridiron.
Their journeys, however, require grit, adaptability, and a willingness to step into the unknown. Who better to show us this leap than the athletes who’ve already made it?
Over the years, several rugby players have challenged this belief, taking their athleticism, speed, and strength from the rugby pitch to the NFL field.
Let’s dive into the stories of these remarkable athletes and their transitions.
| Player | Why | Age at Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Adongo | Signed by the Colts for his athletic potential. | 24 |
| Jordan Mailata | Scouted for size and strength through the NFL Pathway program. | 21 |
| Christian Wade | Sought a new challenge after a successful rugby career. | 27 |
| Christian Scotland-Williamson | Attracted to the NFL by his physical skill set. | 25 |
| Hayden Smith | Motivated to try the NFL as a new challenge. | 27 |
| Louis Rees-Zammit | Wanted to test himself in a new sport. | 23 |
| Aaron Sexton | Inspired by other successful rugby-to-NFL transitions. | 23 |
Daniel Adongo
How He Started: Daniel Adongo began his professional rugby career in South Africa, playing for teams like the Southern Kings and Blue Bulls. Known for his size and power, Adongo stood out as a flanker with great physical potential.
Why He Transitioned: In 2013, the Indianapolis Colts saw Adongo’s athleticism as a unique asset for American football. Despite no prior experience in the sport, they signed him to develop as a linebacker.
Age at Transition: Adongo made the move to the NFL at the age of 24.
What Happened: Adongo spent most of his time on the Colts’ practice squad, learning the fundamentals of the game. He appeared in a few games during the 2014 season but faced challenges adapting to the technical demands of football. After struggling with injuries, his NFL journey ended in 2015. Adongo later returned to Kenya and remains a notable figure for his groundbreaking transition.
Jordan Mailata
How He Started: Mailata was a promising rugby league player in Australia, playing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ junior team. His imposing frame and athleticism made him a standout prospect.
Why He Transitioned: Mailata’s size and physical attributes caught the attention of NFL scouts. In 2018, he entered the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, which helps international athletes transition to American football.
Age at Transition: Mailata made his move to the NFL at just 21 years old.
What Happened: Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round, Mailata worked tirelessly to learn football from scratch. Today, he is a starting offensive tackle for the Eagles, earning recognition as one of the league’s best linemen. His success has inspired many other rugby players to consider a similar path.
Christian Wade
How He Started: Christian Wade was a star winger in England, playing for the Wasps and representing England at the international level. Known for his speed and agility, Wade was one of rugby’s most exciting players.
Why He Transitioned: Wade wanted a new challenge and saw the NFL as an opportunity to showcase his skills in a different sport. In 2018, he joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway program.
Age at Transition: Wade transitioned to American football at the age of 27.
What Happened: Wade signed with the Buffalo Bills and made an immediate impact in a preseason game, scoring a 65-yard touchdown on his first carry. Despite this, he remained on the practice squad and was released in 2022 without playing in a regular-season game. Wade’s journey highlights the difficulty of breaking into the NFL as an international player.
Christian Scotland-Williamson
How He Started: Christian Scotland-Williamson was a professional rugby player in England, playing as a lock for the Worcester Warriors. Known for his size and athleticism, he was a key player in the rugby union.
Why He Transitioned: Inspired by the opportunities in the NFL and his physical skill set, Scotland-Williamson joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway program in 2018.
Age at Transition: He made the transition to American football at 25 years old.
What Happened: Scotland-Williamson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a tight end. While he showed promise and athletic potential, he spent most of his time on the practice squad. After two years of development, he left the NFL in 2020 to return to rugby.
Hayden Smith
How He Started: Hayden Smith was an Australian-born rugby union player who played for Saracens in England. As a lock, he was known for his height, strength, and work ethic on the field.
Why He Transitioned: In 2012, Smith decided to pursue an NFL career, motivated by his athleticism and the chance to take on a new challenge.
Age at Transition: He transitioned to the NFL at 27 years old.
What Happened: Smith signed with the New York Jets as a tight end. He played five games during the 2012 season but struggled to secure a long-term role. After being waived in 2013, he returned to rugby and continued to excel in his original sport.
Louis Rees-Zammit
How He Started: Rees-Zammit was a rising star in Welsh rugby, known for his incredible speed and scoring ability. He played as a winger for the Welsh national team and Gloucester Rugby.
Why He Transitioned: In early 2024, Rees-Zammit announced his decision to pursue an NFL career, seeking to challenge himself in a new sport.
Age at Transition: Rees-Zammit made the move to the NFL at 23 years old.
What Happened: After training through the International Player Pathway program, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs but did not make the final roster. He later joined the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad as a wide receiver, showing promise as he continues to develop his skills.
Aaron Sexton
How He Started: Sexton was a standout rugby player for Ulster Rugby in Ireland, known for his speed and athleticism.
Why He Transitioned: In December 2024, Sexton announced his decision to leave rugby and pursue an NFL career, inspired by the success of players like Jordan Mailata.
Age at Transition: Sexton transitioned to the NFL at 23 years old.
What Happened: Sexton’s NFL journey is still in its early stages, but his elite speed and rugby experience make him a strong candidate for success. He has already joined the International Player Pathway program to develop his skills.
Conclusion
These athletes prove that transitioning from rugby to the NFL is challenging but not impossible. Their stories highlight the dedication needed to adapt to a new sport, as well as the opportunities that arise for those who dare to dream big. From the practice squad to NFL stardom, these players inspire others to believe in their potential and chase new horizons.