England’s powerhouse wing Joe Cokanasiga, who clocks in at a formidable 6ft 4in and 17-and-a-half stone, once flirted with the idea of a move to the NFL.
The Bath star reportedly visited the NFL’s London offices to discuss joining the International Player Pathway (IPP) programme, as the league continues its search for rugby’s biggest and fastest talents.
Ultimately, though, Cokanasiga decided to stay loyal to rugby union, with The Telegraph hinting that salary expectations played a key role.
But he’s not the only one on the NFL’s radar; multiple South African players from the URC, Gallagher Premiership standouts, and even a France sevens ace are rumoured to be eyeing up the IPP’s January intake.
One name likely to join? Australian international Jordan Petaia. If selected, Petaia will join a growing list of rugby-to-NFL crossovers, looking to emulate Welsh speedster Rees-Zammit and NFL sensation Jordan Mailata.
The 6ft 8in Mailata, who shifted from South Sydney Rabbitohs U20s to the NFL in 2018, now protects the Philadelphia Eagles’ QB and boasts career earnings around a staggering £43 million.
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Louis Rees-Zammit’s famous dating history:
When asked about his current relationship status, he shared, “I’ve got a lot on my plate at the minute. I’m open to a relationship, but I’m not forcing one…I’m very focused on what I’ve got to do.”
Alicia Scholes
In December 2019, before his international debut for Wales, Rees-Zammit posted a photo of himself playing for Gloucester. Alicia Scholes, daughter of football legend Paul Scholes, humorously suggested an England debut was imminent, despite Rees-Zammit’s Welsh roots. He firmly replied, “Wales*”.
In a BBC interview, Rees-Zammit spoke about his past relationship with Alicia, a professional netball player for London Pulse. He revealed the light-hearted attempts by her father to sway him towards England, which he steadfastly resisted.
Alicia and her father Paul found themselves in the spotlight in 2021 due to a viral video that led to playful banter among rival supporters.
