Louis Rees-Zammit leaves NFL and return to rugby union
Louis Rees-Zammit is leaving the NFL to return to playing rugby union.
The decision comes 18 months after the 24-year-old initially quit rugby to pursue a career playing American football. Rees-Zammit had spells with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, but did not play in a regular-season game.
The former Gloucester wing, capped 32 times by Wales and a tourist with the British & Irish Lions to South Africa in 2021, has not yet confirmed which rugby club he will be joining.
“I’ve decided to leave the NFL and return to rugby,” Rees-Zammit said in an Instagram post.
“It’s been a great experience, but it’s time to come home. I’ve decided that this is the best time to make this decision to give myself time to get everything in place for next season.
“There’s only one thing that’s on my mind, that’s coming back to rugby and doing what I do best.
“I can’t explain how excited I am.”
Rees-Zammit joined the NFL via the International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), signing a training contract with Kansas City Chiefs as a running back in March 2024.
He played three preseason matches for the Chiefs, but became a free agent in August after missing the cut for the 53-man squad for the regular season.
Rees-Zammit was quickly picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad, and changed positions from running back to wide receiver.
At the end of the season, his contract was not renewed, and was made a free agent.
Rees-Zammit remained with the Jaguars for most of preseason training this summer, before his announcement that he would be returning to rugby.
This decision is undoubtedly a big boost for new Wales head coach Steve Tandy, who will most likely be able to welcome back a key player in the near future.
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