NFL Draft 2024: Ex-English rugby player Travis Clayton is selected by the Buffalo Bills as he follows in Louis Rees-Zammit’s footsteps… sparking wild scenes amongst friends and family back in the UK

The Buffalo Bills took a leaf out of Kansas City’s book by selecting former England rugby player Travis Clayton with the 221st overall pick of the NFL Draft.

Nearly a month after the Chiefs handed ex-Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit a three-year contract at Arrowhead, the Bills opted to draft Clayton in the seventh and final round of this year’s draft, leading to jubilant scenes among his friends and family. back home in the southern England town of Basingstoke.

In a clip posted by the NFL, the 6-foot-4 prospect’s tight end can be seen celebrating wildly as he makes his way to the stage at the draft to officially join Buffalo.

Clayton, who is expected to play as an offensive lineman, has never played competitive American football despite joining the NFL Academy in 2019.

He became eligible to be selected in the draft after participating in the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, which allows potential stars from abroad to impress scouts in the offseason.

Clayton, who participated in the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, was selected 221st overall by Buffalo

He follows in the footsteps of ex-Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, who signed for the Kansas City Chiefs last month

Rees-Zammit also participated in the IPP, but because he was more than four years out of high school, the Chiefs were able to sign him outright instead of waiting for the draft.

Clayton, meanwhile, is in his fourth year of high school, meaning the Bills could only select him at the draft.

Weighing in at 303lbs, the Brit showed plenty of athleticism during his short-lived rugby career before clearly winning the Buffalo scouts at the IPP.

Several players have made the transition from rugby to football over the years, including current Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata.

In addition to rugby, Clayton has also tried his hand at boxing, football, rowing, skeleton and tennis.

He was present at the draft in Detroit to hear his name announced.

Clayton believes his short-lived experience in rugby will serve him well in the NFL

As a Pathway program graduate, Clayton will not count toward Buffalo’s roster if he fails to make the roster.

“Because rugby is also a team sport, I believe that helps a lot, my team knowledge and what it takes to communicate well here and in the future, hopefully in the NFL,” he said of his switch to football.

“More importantly, playing the wing in rugby helps with the physical side and with agility and things like that.”