Louis Rees-Zammit issues statement as ex-Wales rugby star announces major change

Ex-Wales rugby union star Louis Rees-Zammit has announced a shock return to the sport less than two years after his NFL move. The former British and Irish Lions tourist made the bombshell announcement to move to the States in January last year.

The ex-Gloucester man had stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars having gone undrafted in 2024. But it appears that Rees-Zammit is now ready to admit defeat in the NFL having announced a surprise return to rugby.

Taking to social media, the 24-year-old said: "I've decided to leave the NFL and return to rugby. 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."

Rees-Zammit initially signed for the Kansas City Chiefs in March last year, eventually making his debut in a pre-season clash with Jacksonville Jaguars. But he left after failing to be chosen in their 53-man roster.

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He was picked up by the Jaguars but failed to make an appearance for the side. Rees-Zammit’s NFL exit comes just a month after he admitted that he was still keen on a return to rugby.

Speaking on , he said: “I mean that’s why I did it at such a young age because I know I can come back to rugby. I’ll be 24, 25, 26. If I know I’m not making it within those years, I’ll come back.

“Everyone signs a three year deal but that contract only becomes valid after the pre-season games because if they cut you from the 90-man roster and they don’t put you in the 53, they just rip that contract up and they’ll put you on a practice squad contract.

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“Some people like Patrick Mahomes, he’s going to have a guarantee in his contract so they’re not going to cut him otherwise they’ve got to pay the guarantee. But players like me and players like undrafted free agents, even drafted players, they’ll have a signing bonus which is a guarantee but they could get cut the next day.”

Rees-Zammit has yet to confirm whether he has lined up a club to represent upon his return to rugby union. He had previously represented Gloucester for six years, making 77 appearances ahead of his exit in 2024.

He has also remained silent over whether a return to the international fold could be on the cards. Rees-Zammit has 32 caps for Wales in his career having made his debut back in 2020.

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