With Louis Rees-Zammit announcing his return to rugby union, it has triggered a scramble to sign one of the best wingers in European rugby.

At time of writing, Rees-Zammit has not confirmed who he will be playing club rugby for next season, having spent the last two years pursuing his dream in the National Football League (NFL).

In January 2024, the former Wales and British & Irish Lions wing announced his now-temporary retirement from rugby to join the NFL’s International Player Performance Pathway (IPPP).

After brief spells at Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, it was clear that the 24-year-old’s race in the sport was run.

With a number of suitors lining up to convince Rees-Zammit to sign, Sportin Wales assesses who he could be playing for this season.

Gloucester

Perhaps the least likely of the English Premiership Rugby – sorry, PREM Rugby – clubs, a return ‘home’ to Gloucester is not out of the question.

The Kingsholm faithful would welcome their favourite adopted son back with open arms and the move would be a massive statement of intent from the West Country club.

With Santiago Carreras and Christian Wade already departing from Gloucester, there may be some budget for a blockbuster signing.

Bath

Bath are the Prem’s big spenders, but have already strengthened their back three options considerably this summer. Carreras has arrived from Gloucester and Henry Arundell from Racing 92, but the reigning champions would potentially be the perfect landing spot for Rees-Zammit.

An attacking brand of rugby, built on the foundations of the biggest pack in the league, would suit the wing’s game down to the ground and provide the ideal place for Rees-Zammit to return to rugby.

Racing 92

If money is on his mind, then Rees-Zammit will be assessing suitors across the Channel. Racing 92 are no longer the all-star backline that they were when Finn Russell was pulling the strings a couple of years ago, but the Paris-based club are still one of the Top 14’s highest spenders.

A poor season (10th in 2024/25) may see them look to improve the squad, and Rees-Zammit could be joining a backline that includes Nolan Le Garrec, Gael Fickou, and Josua Tuisova.

Bristol Bears

It would be painful for the Kingholm faithful, but perhaps the most realistic landing spot for Rees-Lightning would be at their rivals Bristol Bears.

They are the only side in the Prem that can compete with Bath’s budget and are a little light in the back three after Max Malins’ long-touted return to Saracens was completed this summer.

Mark your calendars for October 17th if this move does go through – Gloucester vs Bristol at Kingholm on a Friday night – box office!

RC Toulon

Another French club willing to splash the cash, Toulon would offer more competition on the wings for Rees-Zammit, but would likely be competing at domestic and European level straight away.

With Gael Drean, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Gabin Villiere, and Jiuta Wainiqolo all already tearing it up at the Stade Mayol, the Welsh superstar will have to be at his best from the off just to command a starting place.

Newcastle Falcons

Definitely the most intriguing of the options, Newcastle Falcons – with just two wins out of 18 last season – do not seem like the ideal move for Rees-Zammit.

However, with the takeover of the club by the Red Ball group set to be confirmed in the coming weeks, the 24-year-old could be the headline signing for a new ownership to mark their mark on the sport.

R360

Then there is R360, a potential breakaway franchise league that wants to attract superstars with a view to a first season between September and December 2026.

However, there are still questions about what that ambitious competition will look like and Rees-Zammit has surely had enough inactivity in the NFL and will not be short of suitors.

It would certainly be a controversial move, but with a number of England internationals reported to be considering it, the Wales wing could be the first major coup for the league.

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