The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed terms to sign the former Wales rugby union star Louis Rees-Zammit, multiple media outlets have reported.

Bleacher Report said the Chiefs plan to have Rees-Zammit, a native of Wales, competing as both a running back and wide receiver.

The Welsh flyer, who shocked rugby fans in Wales and England when he quit Gloucester to try his luck in the US, will be expected to participate on special teams, particularly on returns under the NFL's new kickoff format.

Rees-Zammit, 23, announced his desire to play in the NFL in a social media post in January. Last week he ran the 40-yard (37-metre) dash in 4.43 seconds during his International Pathway Program pro day.

This season, NFL teams are allowed to promote an international practice squad player to the active roster a maximum of three times.