Australian international Jordan Petaia is set to ditch rugby union to chase his NFL dream.

The Wallabies star, who has made 31 appearances since his Test debut at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, is among the latest group of athletes to take part in the NFL‘s International Player Pathway (IPP).

The programme identifies global talent and gives sports stars the opportunity to develop their American football skills, and potentially earn a spot on an NFL roster.

Petaia will head out to Florida in January for a 10-week training camp before he gets a shot to impress scouts and earn his place on a team.

The 24-year-old believes now is the right time to walk away from rugby union, with his Queensland Reds contract having expired in November.

Petaia, who has also completed rehabilitation from a shoulder injury, will pass on the chance to play in the upcoming series against the British and Irish Lions.

“The decision to step away from rugby hasn’t been easy and one that took a great deal of consideration,” he said.

“I’d like to thank the staff, coaches and players at the Queensland Reds and the Wallabies for the last seven years. I will be forever grateful for the experiences, skills and good mates that these teams have blessed me with.

“It feels like the right time with my age and stage in life to pursue this dream I’ve had for a long time. Thank you to everyone involved in the NFL IPP program for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity.

“I am very grateful and excited for the experience that lies ahead. Wishing everyone in Rugby Australia the best for 2025 – I hope it’s a great year and I will be supporting closely from afar.”

Instead of going head-to-head with the British and Irish Lions, Petaia now aims to follow in the footsteps of fellow Australian Jordan Mailata.

The Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle, from southwest Sydney, is one of just six players to have come through the IPP programme and earn a spot on an active roster since its inception in 2017.

3

Earlier this year, Mailata signed a three-year extension with the Eagles that is set to earn him $100million ($33.4m a season).

He is the most successful IPP graduate, having switched from rugby league to become a key part of Philadelphia’s offensive line and help them reach the Super Bowl in 2023.

Former Wales international Louis Rees-Zammit, another high-profile name, is currently on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad as a wide receiver after entering the pathway in January 2024.

Petaia, meanwhile, played in the centres, on the wing and at fullback across a six-year career in Super Rugby.

His skillset and physical attributes would lend him to a number of potential positions on an NFL team, including wide receiver or tight end.

Ahead of his trip to Florida, the Australian admitted that he has been a fan of American football since he was a child.

3

“My dad used to let us stay home from school for Super Bowl… that’s why NFL is in my head,” Petaia said.

“I was a big fan of watching the big collisions… in a big Samoan household we loved watching (former Pittsburgh Steelers safety) Troy Polamalu put on the big hits.

“I’m a fan of the whole game, really. In union people say there’s a lot of rules but there’s probably triple in the NFL.

“The playbook’s quite large and Madden can only get you so far. I’m enjoying all the little, different skills.”

talkSPORT is your home of the NFL on UK radio, join us every week for commentary and subscribe to our dedicated NFL YouTube channel for news, views and interviews from across the league