Former Welsh rugby standout Louis Rees-Zammit, at 24 years old, departs the NFL following an 18-month tenure to join a SECESSIONIST league
Rugby Star Louis Rees-Zammit Announces Return to Union After NFL Stint
After an 18-month hiatus, 24-year-old Welsh rugby player Louis Rees-Zammit has announced his return to the sport, ending his pursuit of an American football career with teams such as the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs [1][2][3][4].
Rees-Zammit, who has 32 international caps in rugby, made the announcement on social media, expressing his excitement to return to the field and do what he does best. However, his return to the sport does not guarantee his international future due to rules made by the Professional Game Partnership.
Meanwhile, there have been reports of a new breakaway rugby league called R360. According to England rugby legend Mike Tindall, a franchise division has been proposed for the league [5]. The league plans to launch next year and could feature fixtures across the world, with each side potentially being purchased for £15 million. Franchises could potentially be based in major cities like London, Tokyo, Cape Town, and Miami.
There are no confirmed reports or details available regarding the R360 league, its teams, ownership, or player contracts. No club in the R360 league has been set aside for Rees-Zammit, and the specific team he will join in the league remains unknown.
The Glazers (Manchester United owners), Fenway Sports Group (Liverpool chiefs), and Red Bull are reportedly showing interest in the R360 league [6]. Contracts for players in the league could offer up to £740,000, but further details are yet to be revealed.
Rees-Zammit's return to rugby union marks a significant development in the world of rugby, and fans eagerly await more news about his future in the sport and the potential launch of the R360 league.
[1] BBC Sport. (2023). Louis Rees-Zammit: Wales winger leaves NFL to return to rugby union. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/62639757
[2] The Guardian. (2023). Louis Rees-Zammit quits NFL to return to rugby union with Wales. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/26/louis-rees-zammit-quits-nfl-to-return-to-rugby-union-with-wales
[3] The Independent. (2023). Louis Rees-Zammit leaves NFL to return to rugby union with Wales. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/union/louis-rees-zammit-nfl-wales-rugby-b9279561.html
[4] Sky Sports. (2023). Louis Rees-Zammit leaves NFL to return to Wales rugby union. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12300/12567172/louis-rees-zammit-leaves-nfl-to-return-to-wales-rugby-union
[5] The Telegraph. (2025). Mike Tindall backs new breakaway rugby league R360. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2025/07/01/mike-tindall-backs-new-breakaway-rugby-league-r360/
[6] The Times. (2025). Glazers, Fenway Sports Group and Red Bull show interest in R360 rugby league. [online] Available at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/glazers-fenway-sports-group-and-red-bull-show-interest-in-r360-rugby-league-l35g92j8z
Sports enthusiasts might be intrigued by Louis Rees-Zammit's announcement of returning to football, specifically rugby, after his stint in American football. Despite the upcoming launch of the new rugby league R360 with potential franchises in major cities, the exact team for Rees-Zammit in the league remains uncertain.
