Eight more rugby players from around the world have been added to the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) programme for next year, with Rojé Stona, the reigning Olympic champion in discus, also part of the 2025 intake.

Jordan Petaia, who has won 31 caps for Australia and last represented the Wallabies at the 2023 World Cup, is perhaps the most recognisable name on the list of 14 hopefuls announced on Monday. Petaia hopes to convert to the tight end position after leaving Queensland Reds.

Another intriguing figure following in the footsteps of Louis Rees-Zammit, who traded Wales and Gloucester for a crack at the NFL a year ago, is Janeiro Wakeham.

Fiji-born Wakeham stands 6ft 9in tall and weighs 22st 9lb (143kg). He had signed for Ealing Trailfinders from Stade Français in July but has now left the Championship outfit after recovering from surgery on a knee injury.

The 21-year-old is aiming to become an offensive lineman in the same mould as Jordan Mailata, who played in Super Bowl LVII and is widely considered as the most successful graduate of the IPP programme to date.

Ireland sevens representative Aaron Sexton, previously of Ulster, will bid to become a wide receiver or a returner on special teams, as will Joachim Trouabal, who has played for France in sevens.

Laitia Moceidreke, Laki Tasi, Paschal Ekeji Jr and TJ Maguranyanga, the latter a Zimbabwean with experience in the Top 14 for Clermont, are all attempting to break into the NFL from either rugby union or rugby league.

Stona set an Olympic record on the way to discus gold for Jamaica in Paris and is now focussing on becoming a defensive linemen or a tight end. Having attended Clemson University in the USA, he is familiar with American football.

A separate group of specialists, consisting of kickers and punters, will join the wider IPP class of 2025. These athletes will travel to Florida for a 10-week stint at the IMG Academy before having an opportunity to impress NFL scouts at a Pro Day in March.

Players can be signed as a free agent or selected during the NFL draft if they are eligible. Each of the 32 NFL sides are permitted a “roster exemption” for one IPP player throughout pre-season until the roster is cut to 53 players. At that point, they can be signed to practice rosters.

Rees-Zammit is currently on the practice squad of the Jacksonville Jaguars, having moved from the Kansas City Chiefs.

“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 programme,” said Peter O’Reilly, the executive vice-president international, events and club business at the NFL.

“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.”