"An hour ago" - Warren Gatland's brutal goodbye to departing winger Louis Rees-Zammit

Warren Gatland and Wales snubbed Louis Rees-Zammit, not even acknowledging the winger as they announced their squad for the 2024 Six Nations.

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The now former Gloucester winger wasn't even mentioned in the squad release before it was confirmed he has quit rugby with immediate effect to join the NFL international player pathway (IPP).

The 22-year-old, who has been capped by Wales 32 times, described the decision as "painstaking". 

He is aiming to earn a spot on an American football team for 2024.

"I am extremely excited to take up a once in a lifetime opportunity to pursue a new challenge," Rees-Zammit said.

Rees-Zammit said the move did not necessarily mean he was retiring from rugby.

"Rather at this age and stage of my life I am excited to explore a unique challenge that has the potential to diversify my skillset," he said.

Speaking on the shock move, Gatland revealed he had only just found out himself less than an hour before the squad annoucnwement.

"It’s something he’s always dreamed of. The paperwork has been agreed and signed and Gloucester have agreed to release him. He rang me to give me that information, thank me for his time at the World Cup. He’s 22, he’s always dreamed of playing in the NFL. He feels if he doesn’t take that opportunity now, it might not come up. I wished him all the best. I asked him what are his next steps if it doesn’t work out, he said he’d come back. 

The Rugby World Cup has always been a grand stage for showcasing extraordinary talents, where players combine skill and athleticism to create magic on the field.

As we dive into the realm of rapid rugby, we shine a spotlight on the five swiftest players to ever grace the Rugby World Cup stage.

These speed demons bring their unique style and flair to captivate fans around the globe."

Kicking off our list at number five is the English speedster, Henry Arundell. Known for his blistering pace on the wing, Arundell has the ability to leave defenders in the dust. His acceleration off the mark is nothing short of remarkable, and he possesses a keen rugby IQ that allows him to exploit gaps in the opposition's defense. England fans can always count on Arundell to be a genuine threat on the outside.

New Zealand's Rieko Ioane takes the fourth spot on our list. Ioane is a versatile backline player with searing speed that strikes fear into the hearts of defenders. His agility and step make him a nightmare to tackle one-on-one, and his finishing ability is second to none. Whether he's scoring tries on the wing or slicing through defenses at center, Ioane is a player who can turn a game on its head in an instant.

Louis Rees-Zammit, the Welsh sensation, claims the third spot. At a young age, Rees-Zammit has already established himself as one of the premier speedsters in world rugby. His raw pace and incredible acceleration make him a constant danger out wide. Wales has a gem in Rees-Zammit, and his future in the sport looks exceedingly bright.

France's Damien Penaud secures the second position on our list. Penaud combines sheer speed with exquisite footwork to torment defenders. Whether he's fielding kicks, breaking tackles, or sprinting to the try line, Penaud's speed is a game-changing asset for the French team. His ability to cover ground in a matter of seconds makes him a force to be reckoned with.

Topping our list as the fastest player in the Rugby World Cup is South Africa's Makazole Mapimpi. Mapimpi's electrifying speed has been on full display in recent tournaments, earning him the coveted title of the fastest player on the international stage. His remarkable acceleration and ability to leave defenders trailing in his wake make him a potent weapon for the Springboks. Mapimpi's ability to score tries from seemingly impossible situations has played a pivotal role in South Africa's success.