English rugby star Tom Burgess reportedly worked out with both the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills recently after trying out with the New York Giants last week, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Tom Burgess tour continues. The British rugby star, who worked out for Giants last week, tried out for both Jets and Bills, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 5, 2015
According to The Guardian, Burgess, who currently plays in Australia’s National Rugby League, has expressed a desire to play American Football in the past.
“I have shown interest in NFL for a while and I’d spoken to a few of my friends about how I’d love to go there… It is something I definitely wouldn’t turn my nose up at, I’d look into it but there’s nothing there currently.”
Based on the reports of his tryouts, it seems Burgess is quite keen on making the transition.
He is attempting to follow in the footsteps of San Francisco 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne, who landed on the team’s practice squad after playing in six games this season.
Thanks to the NFL’s purposeful expansion overseas, this is a development that could gain more traction as time goes on. Chances are, Hayne and Burgess are just the first in a larger wave of rugby players who attempt to break into the league.