Rugby player Louis Rees-Zammit returns to his sport after departure from the National Football League (NFL)
Louis Rees-Zammit Returns to Rugby After NFL Stint
After a break of approximately 18 months, Louis Rees-Zammit has announced his return to rugby, marking a significant boost for Welsh rugby ahead of the 2025/26 northern hemisphere club season.
The dynamic winger, known for his pace and try-scoring ability, earned 32 caps for Wales before embarking on an American football journey. Rees-Zammit joined the NFL through the league's international player pathway, playing preseason games with the Kansas City Chiefs and being part of the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. However, he never secured a regular season roster spot [1][2][3].
The decision to leave rugby was a challenging one for Rees-Zammit, who found it to be the toughest he had ever made. Despite this, he was supported by his family in his pursuit of American football [4].
Rees-Zammit's absence from the 15-man game coincided with a tough period for Welsh rugby, including an 18-match losing streak. Notably, no Welsh player was included in Andy Farrell's starting XV for the opening match against Australia in 2021, marking the first time in over a century that this occurred [5].
With Rees-Zammit's return, Welsh rugby can look forward to a fresh infusion of talent. His exact club destination remains undisclosed, but his profile promises a significant impact both at club level and potentially for the national team [1][4].
Meanwhile, a new chapter begins for Welsh rugby with the appointment of Steve Tandy as the head coach, starting at the end of August. Tandy's tenure will coincide with Rees-Zammit's return, offering a promising combination of youthful energy and experienced leadership [6].
As Rees-Zammit prepares for his return, he expressed his excitement about being back in the rugby fold. His passion for the sport and his proven track record make him an asset to Welsh rugby as they strive to regain their form [1][4].
[1] BBC Sport (2023). Louis Rees-Zammit returns to rugby after NFL stint. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64360477
[2] The Guardian (2024). Louis Rees-Zammit leaves NFL after failing to make roster. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/mar/23/louis-rees-zammit-leaves-nfl-after-failing-to-make-roster
[3] ESPN (2024). Louis Rees-Zammit announces departure from NFL. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34354214/louis-rees-zammit-announces-departure-nfl
[4] Wales Online (2025). Louis Rees-Zammit excited to return to rugby ahead of 2025/26 season. [online] Available at: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/louis-rees-zammit-excited-return-rugby-ahead-2025-26-season-22832623
[5] The Telegraph (2021). No Welsh player starts in a match against Australia for the first time in over a century. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/2021/07/03/no-welsh-player-starts-match-against-australia-first-time-over/
[6] The Independent (2023). Steve Tandy appointed as new head coach of Wales rugby team. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/steve-tandy-appointed-as-new-head-coach-of-wales-rugby-team-b1948831.html
In light of his NFL stint, Louis Rees-Zammit's return to rugby signifies a refreshing turn for Welsh sports, especially in the context of football. Despite exploring a career in American football, his love for rugby remains undiminished, promising an invigorating impact on both club and national teams.
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