Travis Kelce’s brother retracts claim that Wales is ‘full of upper class, beautiful white people’

Louis Rees-Zammit’s switch to the NFL has shone a spotlight in the United States on not only rugby but also Wales itself, resulting – in the case of Jason Kelce – some rapid backtracking after he claimed Wales is “posh” and filled with “rich, upper class, just beautiful white people”.

Discussing Rees-Zammit’s move with his famous brother on their podcast – Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, partner of a certain Taylor Swift – the duo noted Rees-Zammit’s polished appearance and spoke of his marketing potential, with Travis Kelce describing Rees-Zammit as “debonair” and “as suave as it gets”.

Coming to his thoughts about the people of Wales, inspired by Rees-Zammit’s appearance, Jason Kelce said: “When I think of Welsh, I think British people call it ‘posh’. I think of these rich, upper class, just beautiful white people. He is the running stereotype of what I would think of with a Welsh person. I don’t know if that’s an accurate stereotype but that’s certainly what I think of and he’s helping continue that trend in my mind.

“I’m excited to see what this guy does. I know it’s gonna be a learning curve, but I hope this guy takes the world by f------ storm. It will be electric. With a smile like that, this guy... if he works out, he’s gonna be the most marketable player of all time.”

Kelce’s comments raised eyebrows in Wales, leading to a swift retraction on social media after the podcast’s release.

“I’ve come to understand, I was very incorrect on this,” Kelce wrote on X. “Based on further assessment since these incorrect statements, not sure why I had these preconceptions in my mind, but I have found that the Welsh seem exactly like my kind of people. Happy to be incredibly wrong.”

Rob McElhenney, the Wrexham co-owner, subsequently suggested to Kelce that he should pay a visit to Wales to see for himself. “Incredibly wrong. I should show you around someday. I might know a few people. See for yourself.”

Jason Kelce retired from the NFL earlier this year following a decorated 12-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles, with the former centre winning Super Bowl LII and named the best player in his position (All-Pro) on six occasions.

Rees-Zammit signed a three-year contract following his participation in the International Player Pathway programme and is set to play as a running back and on special teams with the Chiefs, winners of the past two Super Bowls. He was pictured working out in Dallas last week with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.