This time last year Psalm Wooching was adamantly insisting to disbelieving NFL teams that, yes, he really was serious about forgoing the draft to take a shot at a future in rugby.

Not that it stopped them from calling him both during and after the draft to double and triple check his commitment.

But when he scored his first try for USA Rugby against Uruguay, helping the Eagles to the Americas Rugby Championship, the Kealakehe High and University of Washington graduate said he felt the decision to follow the road less traveled was validated for all to see.

“It was a morale boost, saying, ‘Hey, this was the right decision and look where I am now,’” Wooching said.

Where he is now, as he vacations with family and friends in Kona, is bound for Italy this summer having just signed a professional contract to play for Rugby Viadana, about 30 miles from Parma in Northern Italy, in the country’s top league.

“Psalm impressed me with his personality and determination, beside his obvious incredible physical and athletic qualities,” Viadana coach Philippo Frati said on the team’s website. “As a club, we are proud to be the first to give him this opportunity.”

It has been a remarkable ascent for an honorable mention All-Pac-12 linebacker who shed his football helmet and shoulder pads just 14 months ago after helping the Huskies to a 12-2 season and No. 4 finish in the Associated Press poll.

“But, in my mind, it took forever,” said Wooching, for whom world-class rugby had been a dream since he was 10 years old. “I worked hard and wanted to get there as fast as I could.”

Rugby was his first love — he didn’t get serious about football until his sophomore year at Kealakehe — and even managed to play some on the UW club team in the offseason.

But after leading the Huskies with six sacks in 2016 he seemed destined for a place in the NFL and a sizable paycheck that would accompany it. Right up until the time, that is, he texted an intention to concentrate on rugby in February 2016 and take aim at playing the sport professionally. “It is time for me to follow my heart …” he tweeted, a decision he would steadfastly stand behind.

He played for the Seattle-based Saracens, tried out for the USA Sevens and made the 15s traveling to Europe last fall, all the while trying to demonstrate the kind of ability that would allow him to make a living in rugby.

Then it all fell into place with a spot on the roster and starting position at flanker for the Americas Rugby Championship last month. “Putting on that USA jersey felt like the breakthrough, that’s when it all hit home,” he said.

Wooching kept the autographed game ball teammates presented him in recognition of his first try. But he shared the international jerseys with his father; Luki, mother, Shannon; and uncle, Vae Eli.

In addition to inspiration and support they had given him over the years, there was a guiding principle, a verse in their native Samoan that said, “May the wind and ocean guide your canoe,” they instilled, Wooching said.

To make sure it stayed with him, he had it tattooed on.

“It came from our roots and it has (represented) my journey,” he said.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@staradvertiser.com or 529-4820.