Christian Scotland-Williamson is leaving rugby union to try his hand as an NFL player

Lock Christian Scotland-Williamson has decided to leave the Worcester Warriors and try to secure a place in the NFL.

Scotland-Williamson, who has played 23 times for Worcester since signing in 2014, is heading out to Florida to work with NFL coaches in the hopes of impressing and landing on a roster.

The hard-tackling 24-year-old, who measures 6ft 9in, could follow the same route as former Wasps player Alex Gray, who spent the season with the Atlanta Falcons after graduating through the league's International Player Pathway.

Scotland-Williamson impressed scouts after sending in videos of his play with the Aviva Premiership club, having returned to a more regular role this season after almost three years plagued by injury.

"I'd like to thank everyone at Sixways for all the support over the years," Scotland-Williamson said.

"I appreciate everything they have done for me - giving me the opportunity to play professional rugby, playing against some of the top players in the world, and also helping me recover from injuries in what was a tough time for me.

"Worcester is a great club where I have made many lifelong friends and I have no doubt they will continue to move forward and compete with the top sides in the league and Europe in years to come.

"This a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me and one that I simply can't turn down. I'm incredibly excited about testing myself and trying to get on the team roster at an NFL club."