Former Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit announces return to rugby after leaving NFL

Former Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit is returning to rugby after spending 18 months in the NFL.

Rees-Zammit signed an active roster deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the 2025 season after being part of their practice squad for the 2024 season and travelled to London for the games against the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots in October.

The 24-year-old made 32 appearances for Wales before announcing in January 2024 that he would retire from rugby union in order to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL via its International Player Pathway Program.

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But 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.”

The news is likely to come as a welcome boost to recently-appointed Wales head coach Steve Tandy, who takes over a side that only ended an 18-match losing streak that lasted almost two years with a hard-fought win over Japan last month.

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