“I’m just champing at the bit right now. I’m running in a park on my own, doing my drills, doing my homework.”
Ulster winger Aaron Sexton has confirmed that he will quit rugby for the time being, as he focuses on making it in the NFL via their 2025 International Player Pathway Program.
Sexton began to garner attention back in 2018 for some of his highlight reel plays for Ulster A and underage Ireland teams.
What set him apart was his searing pace – a rather rare commodity in Irish rugby.
Not only was he quick for rugby standards, he stood out on the athletics track as well, breaking schoolboy records, and just missing out on a medal in the 200m at the 2019 European Under-20 Championships.
However, despite early promise, he has only featured 10 times for Ulster since making his debut in 2020.
Former Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit was the most high-profile rugby union player to join the IPP, after quitting the sport last January.
After being cut from the Kansas City Chiefs, Rees-Zammit is currently togging out for the Jacksonville Jaguars in their practice squad.
The last IPP saw inter-county footballers such as Wicklow’s Mark Jackson, Monaghan’s Rory Beggan, and Down’s Charlie Smyth try out, with the latter currently signed to the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad.
Joining Sexton’s in this year’s intake is Wallabies star Jordan Petaia.
Speaking with RTÉ Sport, Sexton spoke confidently of his athletic ability and his hopes in American Football.
He said:
“Around four or five years ago now, when I was still sprinting and seeing DK Metcalf (Seahawks wide receiver) race. I was at the US trials, where he was racing sprinters.
“He ran 10.34 and I was running 10.43, so I know that I have got the speed.
“I’m just champing at the bit right now. I’m running in a park on my own, doing my drills, doing my homework.
“Obviously, I do know I still have a lot to grow and a lot to learn. But yeah, I’m looking to go out, enjoy it and perform.
“With Rees-Zammit, that was a big move when he went and we would have followed it last year when he was going.
“Even over the past couple of years, I’ve always been told, you know, anytime we did any testing with rugby, trust me, you’d be good at it… But I never really thought there was an opportunity for me.
“The second there was, I just took a chance and went all in.
“I know it’s going to be a tough task.
“It will be new to me and I know the complexity of it, but it’s something I’m really looking forward to. I want to put my best foot forward.
“I know the task at hand is a big one. I’m not taking that for granted.”
