Former England youth star to join Rees-Zammit in USA
NEWS: Former England Under-20 star Harry Mallinder will be joining Louis Rees-Zammit in the United States of America.
The 27-year-old Mallinder has also set his sights on playing American Football and he has signed up to America’s National Football League [NFL] International Player Pathway.
The program is designed to scout elite international athletes and offer them a platform to hone their skills with the ultimate goal of securing a spot in an NFL roster.
Mallinder represented Northampton Saints between 2013 and 2021 before heading to Japan to join the Black Rams Tokyo.
He led England to victory in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in 2016, scoring 23 points in the Final. However, he has never featured for the senior team.
He is now hoping to make it as a kicker or punter in the NFL.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity,” Mallinder told The Independent in England. “This is a fresh start.
“I think it is something I’ve always been fascinated by.
“Obviously, it was quite a long shot and there was no real opportunity there for a long time, but hearing about this, I thought why not give it a go.
“But I’m not just here to make up the numbers. While I want to enjoy every moment of this experience, I’m also here to make it happen. I want to make this my thing.”
He added: “I just love kicking. Since before I could walk, I kicked any type of balls that I could get my hands on.
“I love the pressure. I like it when it is dead quiet, or people are booing, or you can hear someone say, ‘you’re going to miss’. I love proving people wrong.
Earlier this week Wales star Rees-Zammit shocked the rugby world by his decision to switch to NFL.
His bombshell move came on the day Wales coach Warren Gatland unveiled his squad for the forthcoming Six Nations tournament.
“Gloucester have agreed to release wing Louis Rees-Zammit with immediate effect to enable the 22-year-old to pursue his dream of playing in the National Football League,” a statement from the English Premiership club said.
