Wales and Gloucester wing Louis Rees-Zammit will bring a temporary end to his rugby career to join the NFL international player pathway.
The 22-year-old, who has 32 Test caps for Wales, has been released from his rugby union contract effective immediately as he aims to join an American football side.
Rees-Zammit follows in the footsteps of Christian Wade, Christian Scotland-Williamson and Alex Gray in joining the IPP, which gives players from around the world an opportunity to earn a place on the NFL roster.
“I am extremely excited to take up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue a new challenge,” Rees-Zammit said.
“I have had the incredible honour of playing rugby for my country which, as a proud Welshman, I’ve never taken for granted. However, I believe that this is the right time for me to realise another professional goal of playing American football in the USA. Those opportunities don’t come around very often.”
Rees-Zammit added that his decision does not mean he won’t be returning to rugby in the future.
“Rather at this age and stage of my life I am excited to explore a unique challenge that has the potential to diversify my skillset,” he said.
Wales are due to host Scotland in their opening Six Nations match on February 3, with Rees-Zammit’s announcement completely overshadowing the naming of their squad.
Exeter lock Dafydd Jenkins was appointed Wales captain as Jac Morgan, who skippered them at the World Cup, is likely to miss the Six Nations after knee surgery.
Gatland named five uncapped players in Cardiff quartet Cameron Winnett, Evan Lloyd, Alex Mann and Mackenzie Martin, plus Bath prop Archie Griffin.
Wales’ Six Nations squad:
Backs: Gareth Davies, Kieran Hardy, Tomos Williams, Sam Costelow, Cai Evans, Ioan Lloyd, Mason Grady, George North, Joe Roberts, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Josh Adams, Rio Dyer, Tom Rogers, Cameron Winnett.
Forwards: Corey Domachowski, Kemsley Mathias, Gareth Thomas, Elliot Dee, Ryan Elias, Evan Lloyd, Keiron Assiratti, Leon Brown, Archie Griffin, Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins (c), Will Rowlands, Teddy Williams, Taine Basham, James Botham, Alex Mann, Mackenzie Martin, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright
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