Rees-Zammit returning to rugby

Friday, 1 August 2025 01:41

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

Sky Sports

Louis Rees Zammit has announced he's returning to rugby union following an 18-month stint in American football.

The former Wales and Gloucester wing, who was born in Penarth, sensationally quit the sport in January last year to pursue a NFL career.

But despite spells with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 24 year-old's hopes of making a regular season debut never materialised.

Announcing his decision on Instagram, Rees Zammit said on Thursday night: "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!!"

The 24 year-old added there would be "more news to come soon".

Rees-Zammit won 32 senior caps and scored 14 tries for Wales between 2020 and 2023 - he was also part of the Six Nations title winning squad in 2021, under then-head coach Wayne Pivac, and went onto tour with the Lions in South Africa.

He would go onto score five tries for Wales at the last Rugby World Cup two years ago, including three against Georgia, in what would prove to his last international rugby appearance to date.

Rees Zammit had already decided to leave Gloucester and was sought by the likes of Montpellier and Bordeaux when he made his shock announcement to switch to the NFL on the eve of last year's Six Nations.

His impressive performance in the International Player Pathway led to a dream contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, who had just won the Super Bowl.

But disappointment was to follow - Rees-Zammit was cut from the Chiefs' roster, and just four months after signing with the champions, he joined the practice squad with Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Florida franchise moved him up to the regular season roster twice - an obligation under the IPP - but despite being included for two international games at Wembley last season, Rees Zammit never got to play a snap.

Rees-Zammit was left out of contract at the end of last season, but returned to the Jaguars' active roster in February, before the would-be wide receiver finally abandoned his dream and announced his return to rugby union.

Do you have a local news story to share? Email news@broradio.fm

 

 

More from Bro Radio Sport

Vale Weather

  • Tue

    21°C

  • Wed

    22°C

  • Thu

    21°C

  • Fri

    21°C

More from Bro Radio

Local events

  • The Wild Robot (U)

    The Wild Robot” follows Rozzum 7134 (“Roz” for short), a futuristic robot that washes ashore on a deserted island. A tale of survival and discovery begins when ...

    at Memo Arts Centre
  • Superman (12A)

    When Superman gets drawn into conflicts at home and abroad, his actions are questioned, giving tech billionaire Lex Luthor the opportunity to get the Man of Ste...

    at Memo Arts Centre
  • The Wild Robot (U)

    The Wild Robot” follows Rozzum 7134 (“Roz” for short), a futuristic robot that washes ashore on a deserted island. A tale of survival and discovery begins when ...

    at Memo Arts Centre
  • Superman (12A)

    When Superman gets drawn into conflicts at home and abroad, his actions are questioned, giving tech billionaire Lex Luthor the opportunity to get the Man of Ste...

    at Memo Arts Centre
  • Superman (12A)

    When Superman gets drawn into conflicts at home and abroad, his actions are questioned, giving tech billionaire Lex Luthor the opportunity to get the Man of Ste...

    at Memo Arts Centre
Radio
Online
App
Smart Speaker