Wales international Louis Rees-Zammit leaves NFL to make rugby union return - 'Only one thing on my mind'
Updated 01/08/2025 at 09:10 GMT+1
After 18 months in the US to pursue a career in the NFL, Louis Rees-Zammit will now return to rugby union. The Welsh winger detailed his plans to move back into the sport, but did not reveal which club he will play for. The ex-Gloucester player admitted it was "time to come home" after spells with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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Wales international and former British & Irish Lions winger Louis Rees-Zammit has announced his return to rugby union from the NFL.
The 24-year-old spent 18 months in the US after leaving Premiership outfit Gloucester, playing as a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
But he confirmed on social media that he is set to make another career switch.
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"I’ve got an exciting announcement to make! I’ve decided to leave the NFL and return to rugby!" Rees-Zammit wrote on Instagram.
"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!
"There’ll be more news to come soon but for now, see you soon rugby fans."
Rees-Zammit joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 after taking part in the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP).
He was cut after featuring in pre-season, and went on to sign for the Jacksonville Jaguars, though he was never included in the active 53-man roster.
Rees-Zammit spoke of the benefits of his move to American Football in an interview with talkSPORT in June.
"I've learnt so many different movements that I never even thought about in rugby," he said.
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"The way you train is so much different, but I think that would help me massively.
"When I was playing rugby, I went to America twice to train and the things I learned there I knew straight away would help my game.
"Now, having two years of it, I think if I did have to go back I'll definitely be able to excel again."
Rees-Zammit has 32 Wales caps to his name, the latest of which came in 2023.
He made 77 appearances for Gloucester between 2018 and 2024, scoring 210 points.
He was also part of the British & Irish Lions squad that toured South Africa in 2021.
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"International players get probably two to three years to make it in the NFL," he said in June.
"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."
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