French sevens star joins ex-Wallaby in NFL’s prestigious pathway program

Jordan Petaia turned heads last week when it was revealed the former Wallaby would pursue an NFL career through the International Player Pathway (IIP) program. It’s an exciting career move for the 24-year-old, who isn’t the only rugby union talent chasing that same sports dream.

Joachim Trouabal is a supremely talented athlete who makes the move to the NFL’s IPP program after a successful stint on what is now called the HSBC SVNS Series. While wearing France’s famed blue and red jersey, Trouabal showed the world how quick, elusive and strong he is.

At the Toulouse Sevens in May 2023, Trouabal knocked Fiji out of title contention with a stunning hat-trick in a hard-fought 24-19 win. The Fijians are almost always up there with the best on the SVNS Series, but even they were left scrambling as the Frenchman ran riot that day.

Trouabal had previously been selected to play at the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town, with France finishing sixth that weekend. Dubai, Hong Kong China and Singapore are some of the other iconic destinations the youngster played at during his sevens career.

 

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But the chance to follow in the footsteps of former Wales and British & Irish Lions wing Louis Rees-Zammit by joining the IPP program proved too good to turn down. Trouabal is one of two Frenchman in the 2025 class, with the other being European League of Football’s Maceo Beard.

“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,” NFL executive VP of international, events and club business, Peter O’Reilly, said in a statement.

“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.”

Jeneiro Wakeham, Leander Wiegand, Aaron Sexton, Roje Stona, Nathaniel Salmon, Dante Barnett, Mapalo ‘Maz’ Mwansa, TJ Maguranyanga, Laitia Moceidreke, Laki Tasi, Western Province Rugby Union’s Paschal Ekeji Jr and Petaia are the others joining the IPP program.

Petaia has long been linked to the program, but it still came as a bit of a surprise to some when the Queensland Rugby Union confirmed the news. It’s been made clear that the Reds are supportive of Petaia’s desire to go after this opportunity in one of the USA’s premier sports leagues.

The 31-test Wallaby, who played seven seasons with the Reds in Super Rugby, will move to Florida’s IMG Academy in January.

“I’ve followed the NFL since I was a kid,” Petaia said in a statement. “Trying American football is something I’ve always thought about. I’d kick myself if I didn’t have a shot because I don’t want any regrets.

“Now is the right time.

“Why the decision has been so hard is the progress of the Reds this season. I was very impressed with the team going to the next level this year with the new coaching group and I see them taking another step in 2025.

“(Head coach) Les Kiss said some very kind words to farewell me last week (at a Reds team meeting). And it was a good feeling to hear all the boys are excited for me and wish me the best.

“It was quite emotional for me after being at the club since I left school.

“There are no guarantees,” he added. “It’s an opportunity to train and learn the game over several months and showcase my potential skills in the game.”