Louis Rees-Zammit reveals why he's left the NFL to return to rugby after just 18 months
Louis Rees-Zammit has revealed exactly why he has chosen to return to rugby union after pursuing a career in the NFL.
Rees-Zammit, 24, was capped 32 times by Wales before he decided to essentially retire from rugby union to try his hand in the NFL.
His decision to return comes just 18 months after he made the move to the States. Initially, in March 2024, the 24-year-old signed a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs to play as a running back before making three pre-season appearances for the team.
Then, in August of 2024, Rees-Zammit became a free agent after failing to be chosen for the Chiefs’ 53-player roster before a move to the Jacksonville Jaguars ensued.
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At the end of that season, he was released before re-signing for the Jaguars in February, but he has now decided to call time on his short stint in the NFL.
Rees-Zammit said in a post on Instagram: “I’ve got an exciting announcement to make! 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! There’ll be more news to come soon, but for now, see you soon, rugby fans.”
It is unclear which club the Welshman will join, having previously represented Gloucester in rugby union as well as Cardiff Blues at youth level.
Speaking about Rees-Zammit’s decision on talkSPORT earlier today, host Jeff Stelling explained how he felt the NFL move was never going to produce the results the Welshman desired.
Stelling said: "It's a different sport, a different sport!
"It's like saying because I can play cricket, I can be a good tennis player, it doesn't automatically follow."
He added: "He's going to come back now when Welsh rugby is going through absolute turmoil, and he will no doubt become a superstar for them again.
"But he's the latest in the long line who has gone out to the States to try and make it in the NFL.
"How many have done it? How many have made it?"
Topics: Rugby Union, NFL
Luke Davies