Wales legend Sam Warburton is concerned about the current state of Welsh rugby, but insists Louis Rees-Zammit's defection to American football is not a result of Wales' problems.
The 23-year-old shocked the sporting world when he announced his retirement after joining the International Player Pathway Program with the aim of playing in the NFL.
Rees-Zammit moved closer to realizing his dream Friday when he signed a three-year contract with the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
different opinions
While the side claimed it had always been an ambition to play American football, some saw this as another example of Welsh rugby's struggles.
However, Warburton disagreed and said he should be “more concerned” to see players like Immanuel Fay-Waboso choose England.
“Does his move reflect the sad state of Welsh rugby at the moment?” he wrote in his letter. times column. “Has the appeal of the famous red jersey diminished? I don't know if his example is a barometer.
“Watching Exeter Chiefs last weekend, I was more curious about why there were so many Welsh players in the team – Immanuel Fay-Waboso, Christo Sciunza, Dafydd Jenkins, Joe… Think Hawkins, Dan John, Oli Burrows, Estin” Harris, Kane James, Orson James, Ivan Jenkins.
“They all came through the Welsh system but Fay-Waboso clearly chose England.”
Louis Rees-Zammit: From teenage sensation's breakout to Super Bowl champions
Mr Warburton believes that the issues stemming from the calls of past Welsh chiefs can for the time being be spared any criticism of the current hierarchy.
“The system in Wales is clearly not working, but that is not a problem with the leadership of Welsh Rugby Union now. This is the result of decisions made a long time ago,” he wrote.
“As I have said before, academies are run locally rather than centrally and have a huge influence on players' paths.
“Too many players attend schools, universities and clubs in England, and a large number go on to represent England at their age level.”
England or Wales
Some Welsh-born players have expressed interest in joining England's Premiership academies, but Warburton insists that does not mean they will play for the Red Roses at international level.
The former captain is adamant that he would have only chosen Wales, regardless of the educational and sporting development offered in England.
“I heard Jonathan Davies (former flyhalf) say the other day that even if he had gone to school at Millfield in England (like Gareth Edwards and JPR Williams), he still would have wanted to play for Wales. ” he said. Added.
“And I felt that way. I have a lot of English heritage, but I've only ever played for Wales. Maybe now the pull on the jersey isn't as great as it used to be.”
read more: Louis Rees-Zammit joins NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce after signing with Kansas City Chiefs
