Louis Rees-Zammit’s time with the Kansas City Chiefs did not pan out as he hoped.

The former Wales rugby star signed a three-year deal with the Super Bowl champions after coming through the International Player Pathway.

Rees-Zammit flew over to London with the Jags but did not suit up

He played a variety of positions in preseason but was cut after failing to earn a place on the roster.

Rees-Zammit was handed a second chance on the Jacksonville Jaguars‘ practice squad after switching from running back to wide receiver.

Christian Scotland-Williamson and Alex Gray, who both moved from rugby into the NFL, discussed Rees Lightning’s switch with talkSPORT commentator Will Gavin during the Jaguars’ clash with the Bears in London.

“They’ve moved him from running back to wide receiver. Pass. protection was apparently an issue for him, which you can kind of understand,” said Gavin.

“Pass protection That’s a tough gig for somebody’s never played the sport before,” added Gray, who spent two seasons as a tight end with the Atlanta Falcons.

“Because you got the technical expertise and obviously knowing where the guys coming from, who are you actually supposed to be blocking on the fly? It’s just so difficult.

“And what’s gonna help him now is moving to wide receiver. There’s just such a big reliance on pure athleticism. That’s what he’s got.

“With all his measurables, he’s got as good a shot at being out there than anywhere else in the field.”

The 1-4 Jaguars were brushed aside 35-17 by the Bears in London.

Scotland-Williamson is worried the coaches are going to be more focused on saving their own jobs than coaching up 23-year-old Rees-Zammit.

LRZ has switched position since leaving the ChiefsGetty

Jags head coach Doug Pederson’s job is on the lineAP

“The whole of spring OTAs you’ve been learning a new plot a new sport a new playbook with the Kansas City Chiefs,” said the former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end.

“A new environment, a new culture with Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes Travis Kelce where you’ve got an established leadership group.

“You’re now thrust into the slightly dysfunctional Jags, they’re one and four on the season. How much coaching is really going to be available to him this season when the main priority is coaches keeping jobs? And being able to put a good product on the pitch to be able to actually win a game.”

Scotland-Williamson says Rees-Zammit needs to learn as much as he can from his teammates before making an impression in the next preseason.

“Alex and I have both been in that situation. You can’t rely on coaches to be able to give you the answers and put you in a position to win,” he added.

“It comes from asking other players around you who you can lean on, which would have been actually more favorable If he’d been with the Chiefs because there’s that higher intellect.

“They’ve been to championships. They’re really learning from the best of the best in that building.

“So now he’s gone to a new situation where it might be an opportunity for him to play a bit more in the preseason next year and actually in the long term is the best move for him.

“I do feel like it’s very admirable. What he’s trying to do is very courageous because we’ve been in there and done it and it’s gonna take a huge amount of effort from him individually to be able to upskill himself to play in the NFL.”

Gray agreed that the biggest issue facing IPP players is earning reps.

“You’ve got to hope that they’re gonna give him time because ultimately what the big blocker for any player in the IPP pathway is just time in the saddle,” he explained.

“How long do you get doing the reps? He’s gonna be at the bottom of the depth chart. Most on the scout team looking at a sheet with all the stuff written up, so he’s not getting actual game-style reps.

“But you know, it’s a positive move. It’s London’s team. He’s got people interested for another team to pick him up.

“He’s just got to keep it moving. He’s got to keep his head down, not get carried away with all the hype around him and all the hype that’s going on because we all know we’re all involved.

“We love this game. There is so much hype surrounding everything.

“But as a player you’ve got to lock that in and you’ve got to turn up every day giving it your all because there’s someone coming out of college next year who wants to take your spot.”

talkSPORT is your home of the NFL on UK radio, join us on Sunday from 1pm on talkSPORT2 for the New England Patriots @ the Jacksonville Jaguars