English Rugby Union Winger Travis Clayton Drafted by Buffalo Bills in NFL’s International Player Pathway Program

In a stunning turn of events, English rugby union winger Travis Clayton has been drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the final round of the NFL Draft. The 23-year-old, who currently 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 background in rugby is seen as a valuable asset, with Clayton himself noting that the physicality and agility required in rugby will serve him well in his new sport.

Basingstoke coach Richard Cheetham has praised Clayton’s extraordinary transition to American football, describing him as a “gentle giant” with all the necessary attributes on the field. Standing at an impressive 6ft 7in, Clayton’s speed was also a standout factor, with the Bills noting that his 40-yard dash time was the fastest they had recorded from an offensive lineman in the past decade.

Clayton’s selection is part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme, which aims to find talent from outside the United States. This year, all 32 NFL franchises will have an additional place in their practice squads specifically for international players, allowing for more opportunities for athletes like Clayton to showcase their skills.

With former Wales rugby union star Louis Rees-Zammit also making the move to the NFL, it’s clear that the league is open to welcoming talent from diverse sporting backgrounds. As Clayton prepares to embark on this new chapter in his athletic career, fans will be eager to see how he adapts to the challenges of American football at the professional level.