Ulster winger quits province and turns back on rugby in bid to fulfil his NFL dream

Flying winger Aaron Sexton has quit Ulster and rugby to try and forge a career in American football’s highly lucrative NFL.

The Bangor-born former sprinter will enter the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP), which is a course designed to give non-USA residents the best opportunity of realising their dreams in the League.

It is understood that Sexton will be focusing on playing as a wide receiver or kick returner, following in the footsteps of former Wales rugby international Louis Rees-Zammit.

As part of his integration into the IPP, Sexton will move to Florida in 2025 and train for 10 weeks before getting his chance to impress in front of scouts from all 32 teams at the NFL's Combine in February and then at a Pro Day in March.

While Ulster were keen for Sexton to remain in rugby and at Ravenhill, the 24-year-old has made just 10 senior appearances since making his debut in 2020, scoring just one try.

A former schoolboy track sprint star, the ex-Ireland Sevens standout won the All-Ireland Championships at 100m and 200m level in both 2018 and 2019 before opting to go full-time in rugby by joining Ulster's Academy set-up in 2019.

However, after struggling for game-time at Ravenhill and not featuring at all in the 2024/25 season, he has now decided to try and become the latest Northern Irish star to crack the NFL through the IPP after the success of kicker Charlie Smyth.

The former Down Gaelic footballer is currently on the books of the New Orleans Saints after impressing during pre-season, however he has yet to see action in a regular season game and is currently on their practice roster.

Ex-Derry GAA Under-20s star Jude McAtamney has seen some action in the 2024 season having been called up to the New York Giants after going through the college system with Rutgers, playing one game against the Washington Commanders.

Rees-Zammit, meanwhile, has struggled to break into the NFL, the 23-year-old initially signed to the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad before moving on to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he is yet to play a game.

Every team is allowed one additional spot on their 53-man roster for an international player, giving Sexton a good chance of at least being given a practice squad contract for the 2025 season provided he shows he is capable in those workout days.

On Sexton's departure, Ulster General Manager Bryn Cunningham commented: "Everyone at Ulster Rugby wishes Aaron all the very best as he pursues this new opportunity with the NFL.

"We don’t want to stand in the way of him chasing this ambition after he made it clear to us that this was something he was hugely excited about.

"We thank Aaron for his efforts over the years and wish him well for the upcoming trials."

Sexton isn't the only rugby player to be included in this year's IPP, with Australian international Jordan Petaia the most high-profile having decided to leave behind a profitable career with the Wallabies to declare for the NFL instead.

Also making the switch are fellow Australian Laki Tasi, Fiji's Laneiro Wakeham who had a brief spell with Stade Francais, France Sevens player Joachim Trouabal, Africa's Paschal Ekeji Jr and Zimbabwe's TJ Maguranyanga who is formerly of Clermont, while Australia's Laitia Moceidreke has swapped Rugby League for the NFL.

"The Class of 2025 is an exciting one, and we are delighted to welcome these talented athletes from around the world to the International Player Pathway program," said NFL Executive VP of International, Events and Club Business Peter O'Reilly.

"Focusing on our global football development efforts and fostering international talent is crucial to growing our game globally. The IPP program offers life-changing opportunities for international talent, and we look forward to following their progress in the weeks and months ahead."