English Rugby Union Winger Travis Clayton Drafted by Buffalo Bills in NFL Draft

In a surprising turn of events, English rugby union winger Travis Clayton has been selected by the Buffalo Bills in the final round of the NFL Draft. The 23-year-old, who plays in the eighth tier of domestic rugby for Basingstoke, was the 221st overall pick in the seventh round in Detroit.

Despite never having played American football competitively, Clayton is expected to make the transition to playing as an offensive lineman for the Bills. His experience in rugby is seen as a valuable asset, with Clayton noting that the physicality and agility required in his position as a winger will serve him well in his new role.

Basingstoke coach Richard Cheetham has praised Clayton’s adaptability, describing his transition as “extraordinary.” Despite being known as a “gentle giant” off the pitch, Clayton possesses the necessary attributes to excel in American football.

Standing at an impressive 6ft 7in, Clayton was selected from the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme, which aims to find talent from outside the United States. His impressive performance in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine caught the attention of the Bills, with his time being the fastest recorded for an offensive lineman in the past decade.

Clayton’s journey to the NFL follows in the footsteps of former Wales rugby union star Louis Rees-Zammit, who recently joined the Kansas City Chiefs. With the NFL expanding opportunities for international players, Clayton will have the chance to prove himself on the field and potentially earn a spot on the Bills’ active roster throughout the season. It’s a remarkable story of a talented athlete making a bold leap into a new sport, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how Clayton performs in his new role.