Rugby Players Who Swapped the Pitch for the NFL

Rugby and American football share many similarities—physicality, tactical precision, and explosive athleticism—so it’s no surprise that some of rugby’s finest have made the leap to the National Football League (NFL). The transition isn’t an easy one, with major differences in rules, playing styles, and the stop-start nature of the game, but a select few have successfully crossed over, trading scrums for snap counts and tries for touchdowns.

For rugby fans and NFL betting enthusiasts, watching these players adjust to the demands of American football has been an intriguing spectacle. Here’s a look at some of the most notable rugby stars who changed careers to join the NFL.

Christian Wade was one of England’s most exciting wingers, known for his blistering pace and agility on the rugby field. A Wasps legend and former England international, Wade made a surprising move in 2019 when he left rugby to pursue a career in the NFL.

Through the NFL International Player Pathway Programme, Wade joined the Buffalo Bills as a running back. Despite never playing American football before, he made an immediate impact in the pre-season, scoring a stunning 65-yard touchdown on his very first carry. However, breaking into the regular-season squad proved difficult, and he eventually left the Bills in 2022.

Though Wade never played a competitive NFL game, his transition from rugby to American football remains one of the most high-profile examples of an athlete attempting to conquer both sports.

Jarryd Hayne is perhaps the most famous rugby player to make the switch to the NFL. A former NRL (National Rugby League) star in Australia, Hayne dominated the rugby league scene with the Parramatta Eels before making a shock move to the San Francisco 49ers in 2015.

Hayne’s transition was one of the most successful among rugby converts. As a running back and kick returner, he impressed in pre-season and earned a spot on the 49ers' active roster. In his debut game, he made headlines with a 20-yard punt return, showcasing his raw athleticism and rugby-honed footwork.

Though his time in the NFL was brief—he played just one season before returning to rugby league—Hayne’s journey remains one of the most fascinating crossovers in American football history.

Unlike other players on this list, Nate Ebner had experience in both sports from a young age. Before becoming an NFL Super Bowl champion, Ebner was a standout rugby player for the USA Rugby Sevens team.

His rugby skills translated well into American football, particularly on special teams, where his tackling ability and game awareness shone through. Drafted by the New England Patriots in 2012, Ebner played a key role in their Super Bowl-winning teams, earning rings in Super Bowl XLIX, LI, and LIII.

Despite his NFL success, Ebner never lost his love for rugby, even competing for Team USA in Rugby Sevens at the 2016 Rio Olympics. His dual-sport career is a rare example of an athlete excelling in both rugby and American football.

Paul Lasike’s journey between rugby and American football was unconventional. Originally a rugby union player in New Zealand, Lasike moved to the USA for university and took up American football at BYU (Brigham Young University). His powerful running style as a fullback caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading him to stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears between 2015 and 2017.

After a few years in the NFL, Lasike returned to his rugby roots, joining Harlequins in the Gallagher Premiership, where he re-established himself as a hard-hitting centre. His career showcases how rugby and American football demand similar skill sets but also highlights the difficulty of transitioning between the two.

One of the most recent high-profile names to take the leap, Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit stunned the rugby world in early 2024 by announcing his decision to leave Gloucester and the Welsh national team to pursue an NFL career.

Rees-Zammit, known for his lightning pace and finishing ability, joined the NFL International Player Pathway Programme, aiming to make an impact as a wide receiver or running back. Though his journey is still in its early stages, fans of both rugby and the NFL will be eagerly watching to see if he can follow in the footsteps of Wade and Hayne.

With the NFL International Player Pathway Programme growing in popularity, more rugby stars may consider the switch to American football in the future. The physical similarities between the sports make the transition possible, though few have managed to truly break into the elite ranks of the NFL.

For sports betting enthusiasts, keeping an eye on rugby-to-NFL converts can offer exciting insights into NFL odds and player performance predictions. Whether it’s a winger trying to become a wide receiver or a flanker transitioning into a linebacker, rugby players bring a unique skill set to the American game.

As the NFL continues to expand its global reach, the prospect of more rugby stars making the switch remains an intriguing storyline in both sports.