Louis Rees-Zammit is leaving the NFL to return to playing rugby union
Rees-Zammit has decided to leave American football and return to rugby.
The 24-year-old had stopped playing rugby 18 months ago to try his luck in the NFL.
He trained with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars but didn’t play in any regular games.
Now, he’s shared a message on social media saying he’s coming back.
“It’s been an amazing experience, but it’s time to come home,” he wrote. He said this is the right time to return so he can fully prepare for the next rugby season.
he only thing on my mind right now is getting back to rugby and doing what I love most.
I’m so excited — I can’t even put it into words!
Rees-Zammit joined the NFL through the International Player Pathway program.
He first signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, but was released after not making much impact during the 2024 pre-season.
Later, he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars and spent the whole 2024 season on their practice squad.
Even though he was eligible to join the main 53-man squad twice, the Jaguars never gave him a chance — not even during their games in London.
After the season ended, Rees-Zammit left the team for a short time but was re-signed for off-season training.
In July, reports said he missed some training sessions because of a lower back injury, which raised questions about his future with the team.
Then on Thursday, Rees-Zammit officially announced he’s leaving the NFL and going back to rugby.
Before switching to American football in January 2024, he had already played 32 matches for Wales.
His old team, Gloucester, will be back in action on 25 September, and the United Rugby Championship starts the next day.
