Former Rugby Star Joins Roster for the Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders have made a bold, cross-sport addition to their 2024 roster, signing former international rugby star Liam Knight to a one-year contract—marking the latest example of the NFL’s growing interest in athletes with non-football backgrounds. Knight, a 28-year-old Australian who played prop for the NRL’s Sydney Roosters and the Australian national rugby team, brings a unique skill set: brute strength, exceptional agility for his size (6’3”, 265 lbs), and a reputation for physicality that the Raiders hope to leverage on special teams and the defensive line. Former Rugby Star Joins Roster for the Las Vegas Raiders explores the reasoning behind the signing, Knight’s transition to American football, and what this move means for the Raiders’ roster strategy. For fans, the addition is a fascinating experiment—one that could pay off with a versatile, high-energy player or serve as a lesson in the challenges of cross-sport transitions.

Former Rugby Star Joins Roster for the Las Vegas Raiders begins with Knight’s rugby career, which laid the groundwork for his NFL opportunity. In rugby league, Knight was a dominant force in the front row, known for his ability to push through defensive lines (a skill called “breaking tackles” in football) and his stamina to play 80-minute games—far longer than the average NFL player’s snap count. He won two NRL championships with the Roosters (2018, 2021) and represented Australia in 12 international matches, where he was named “Man of the Match” three times for his disruptive play. What caught the Raiders’ eye, however, wasn’t just his strength—it was his athleticism. At a 2023 NFL scouting combine for international players, Knight ran a 4.89-second 40-yard dash (faster than 70% of NFL defensive linemen in 2023) and recorded a 30-inch vertical jump. “Rugby players like Liam have a unique blend of power and mobility,” said Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler. “He’s used to playing in high-pressure situations, and his physicality translates directly to football—especially on special teams and in short-yardage defensive situations.” Knight, who had never played football before, said the transition was daunting but exciting: “I’ve always admired the NFL’s intensity. To get a chance to play for the Raiders? It’s a dream come true.”

Former Rugby Star Joins Roster for the Las Vegas Raiders continues with the Raiders’ strategy behind the signing, which fits into their broader approach of targeting “athletic freaks” with untapped potential. In recent years, the NFL has seen success with cross-sport athletes: former rugby player Jarryd Hayne played for the San Francisco 49ers in 2015, while ex-soccer player Jordan Mailata has become a Pro Bowl left tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles. The Raiders hope Knight follows in Mailata’s footsteps, though they’re taking a more measured approach. Initially, Knight will focus on special teams—specifically as a kickoff coverage and punt return blocker—where his size and speed can make an immediate impact. Over time, the coaching staff plans to develop him as a backup defensive tackle, using his rugby background to teach him how to “bull rush” (push past offensive linemen) and “stack and shed” (fight through blocks to reach the ball carrier). “We’re not expecting Liam to start week one,” said Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels. “But we see a path for him to contribute this season, and maybe become a key role player down the line. His work ethic in training has been exceptional—he’s asking questions, studying film, and adapting faster than we anticipated.” The Raiders also hired a part-time rugby-to-football coach to help Knight learn the nuances of the game, from formation terminology to tackling technique (which differs significantly from rugby’s “wrap and hold” style).

Former Rugby Star Joins Roster for the Las Vegas Raiders includes a look at Knight’s training camp experience, which has been a mix of challenges and breakthroughs. The biggest adjustment, Knight said, has been learning the playbook: “In rugby, you have a few basic plays, and you adapt on the fly. In football, every play has a specific assignment—if you mess up, it can cost the team a touchdown.” To overcome this, Knight has spent extra hours with defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, reviewing film and practicing his assignments until they become second nature. Another challenge has been tackling: in rugby, players are not allowed to lead with their heads, but in football, proper tackling technique requires using the shoulders to drive through the ball carrier. “I’ve had to unlearn some habits,” Knight joked. “But the coaches have been patient, and I’m starting to feel more comfortable.” There have been bright spots, too: in a recent preseason practice, Knight blocked a punt and returned it 10 yards for a touchdown, drawing cheers from teammates and coaches. “That play was a turning point,” said Raiders special teams coordinator Tom McMahon. “It showed Liam that his rugby skills—his ability to read the field, his speed off the line—can translate. He’s starting to believe in himself, and that’s when players take off.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, Knight’s progress in training camp has validated their decision to sign him: he’s no longer just a “project”—he’s a player who could make the 53-man roster.

Former Rugby Star Joins Roster for the Las Vegas Raiders delves into fan and media reactions, which have been largely positive but cautious. Raiders fans on social media have embraced Knight, with #LiamKnightRaiders trending on Twitter and fans creating custom jerseys with his name. Local sports talk radio hosts have praised the move as “innovative” and “exciting,” though some have questioned whether Knight can ever be more than a special teams contributor. National NFL analysts have been similarly intrigued: ESPN’s Adam Schefter called the signing “a low-risk, high-reward move” on his podcast, noting that the Raiders are only paying Knight a $1.1 million base salary (well below the league average for defensive linemen). “The Raiders have nothing to lose here,” Schefter said. “If Knight pans out, they have a unique weapon. If not, they cut him and move on. It’s smart roster management.” Knight has also become a media darling, with local outlets covering his every practice and international rugby fans tuning in to Raiders games to see their former star. “It’s been overwhelming, but in a good way,” Knight said. “The Raiders fans have been so welcoming. I just want to repay their faith by playing hard every time I step on the field.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, the positive reaction has been a bonus: the signing has generated buzz around the team, even in the slow preseason months.

Former Rugby Star Joins Roster for the Las Vegas Raiders wraps up with a look at Knight’s potential long-term impact, both on the Raiders and the NFL as a whole. If Knight succeeds, he could open the door for more rugby players to join the NFL—especially those in positions that require size, strength, and agility (like defensive line, offensive line, and special teams). The Raiders, meanwhile, could use Knight as a template for future signings: targeting international athletes with untapped potential who can bring a fresh perspective to the game. “Liam’s journey is just beginning,” Ziegler said. “But if he continues to work hard, he could be a role model for cross-sport athletes everywhere.” Even if Knight doesn’t become a star, the experience will have value: the Raiders’ coaching staff has learned new ways to teach fundamentals, and the team has gained a player with a strong work ethic and team-first attitude. For Knight, the goal is simple: “I want to make the roster, contribute to wins, and show everyone that rugby players can play in the NFL.” In the end, Former Rugby Star Joins Roster for the Las Vegas Raiders is a story of opportunity and adaptation. It’s about a player stepping out of his comfort zone, a team taking a calculated risk, and the magic that can happen when sports collide. For the Las Vegas Raiders and Liam Knight, the future is unwritten—but it’s sure to be exciting.