Los Angeles Chargers sign former Australian Rugby Star Jordan Petaia

AFI | 2025 NFL International Player Pathway Program | 04/04/2025

Jordan Petaia has signed a deal with the Los Angeles Chargers after impressing during a series of workouts. (AAP Photos: Jono Searle)

The Los Angeles Chargers made headlines on April 2, 2025, by signing former Australian rugby standout Jordan Petaia as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program. The 25-year-old athlete, who represented Australia in two Rugby World Cups (2019 and 2023), will transition to American football as a tight end.

Rugby Legacy and Transition to the NFL
Petaia made history in 2019 as the youngest Australian to play in a Rugby World Cup at just 18 years old. Over his rugby career, he earned 31 caps for the Wallabies (Australia’s national team) and scored a try in their 2023 World Cup opener against Georgia. However, recurring injuries during his tenure with the Queensland Reds prompted his shift to the NFL.

Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The IPP program, designed to develop elite international athletes for the NFL, trained Petaia at Florida’s IMG Academy for 10 weeks. His standout performance at a pro day at the University of South Florida on March 26, including a 4.58-second 40-yard dash and 40.5-inch vertical jump, solidified his NFL potential.

Chargers’ Strategic Move
The Chargers, seeking depth at tight end, view Petaia’s athleticism as a unique asset. Standing 6’3” and weighing 226 pounds, his combination of speed and power aligns with the team’s vision for a dynamic offense. General Manager Tom Telesco highlighted Petaia’s “explosive traits and versatility” as key factors in the signing.

Reactions and Broader Context
Australian NFL star Jordan Mailata, a Super Bowl winner, praised Petaia’s move:

“The Chargers are investing in him, and he’s buying into the process. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Petaia joins a growing list of rugby converts in the NFL, including Wales’ Louis Rees-Zammit (Jacksonville Jaguars) and fellow Australians Thomas Yassmin (Denver Broncos) and Pat Murtagh (Jacksonville Jaguars).

Looking Ahead
Petaia’s signing underscores the NFL’s global outreach and the Chargers’ willingness to innovate. While his NFL journey is just beginning, his rugby pedigree and physical tools offer intriguing possibilities for a team aiming to revitalize its tight end corps. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how this cross-code transition unfolds in Los Angeles.