Louis Rees-Zammit quits NFL as ex-Wales rugby star confirms next move

In a surprising turn of events, Louis Rees-Zammit has announced his departure from the NFL and a return to rugby. His comeback to rugby takes place just 18 months after the 24-year-old initially left the sport to chase his dream of playing American football. Rees-Zammit had stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars but never appeared in a regular-season match.

"I've got an exciting announcement to make! I've decided to leave the NFL and return to rugby," Rees-Zammit revealed in an Instagram post on Thursday evening. "It's been a fantastic 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! ! There'll be more news to come soon but for now, see you soon rugby fans."

Rees-Zammit's switch to the NFL was a surprise back in 2024 - with the announcement being made on the day Wales were naming their Six Nations squad.

After initially participating in the NFL's International Player Pathway, he was signed to the Chiefs - but was ultimately let go after failing to impress in pre-season.

He subsequently joined the Jaguars, spending the entire 2024 season on their practice squad.

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Having failed to feature at all, he temporarily departed the Jaguars - but was quickly re-signed as part of their expanded off-season roster.

This week brought reports that he had missed training with the Jaguars due to a lower back injury, casting doubt over his future.

Recently, he had been training alongside fellow Wales internationals Liam Williams and Gareth Anscombe.

Rees-Zammit had previously suggested a return to rugby whilst speaking to talkSPORT in June.

"International players get probably two to three years to make it in the NFL," he said.

"So I wanted to do it at a time where I maybe could come back to rugby. I'm 24 now, probably got one to two more years to try and make it depending on how this year goes. I'll be 25, 26 when I go back to rugby. I like to think I can still play at the highest level."

During his initial stint in rugby, Rees-Zammit earned 32 caps for Wales - touring South Africa with the British & Irish Lions in 2021 and featuring at the 2023 World Cup in France.

The development will serve as a boost to new Wales head coach Steve Tandy as he begins the role next month.