Travis Clayton, a former eighth-tier rugby star, has been selected by the Buffalo Bills in the NFL draft

In a groundbreaking move, former rugby union player Travis Clayton has made a remarkable transition to the realm of American football by securing a spot with the esteemed Buffalo Bills in the 2024 NFL draft. Despite his lack of prior experience in the sport, the 23-year-old Englishman’s selection with the 221st overall pick in the seventh round stands as a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional athletic prowess. Standing at an impressive 6ft 7in, Clayton, who previously showcased his talent in the eighth-tier rugby for his hometown club Basingstoke in the Counties 2 Hampshire Division, has embraced the challenge of becoming an offensive lineman in the NFL through the league’s international player pathway programme.

Grateful for the resounding support from fans in the UK, Clayton took to social media to express his heartfelt appreciation. He conveyed his excitement and determination to represent the UK in the NFL, showcasing the caliber of British athletes on a global stage. Notably, Clayton’s astounding 40-yard dash time of 4.79sec during the draft combine has garnered significant attention, with the Buffalo Bills highlighting that it surpasses the recorded times of all offensive linemen over the past decade.

This groundbreaking achievement follows closely on the heels of former Wales star Louis Rees-Zammit’s transition from rugby union to American football with his signing to the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. Following his departure from rugby union in January, Rees-Zammit made waves with the Chiefs during his tenure in the NFL’s international player pathway. With designated positions as a running back and wide receiver, the Wales star has embarked on an exciting new chapter in his athletic career, further bridging the gap between rugby and American football.