Louis Rees-Zammit is coming home.
After 18 months chasing his dream in the NFL, the former Wales winger has announced his return to rugby, ending his stint with American football teams Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite training with the Jaguars and being part of the squad for their London games last season, Rees-Zammit didn’t make a regular-season appearance in the NFL. Now, at just 24, he’s set to rejoin the sport where he made his name.
“It’s time to come home,” he posted on Instagram. “It’s been a great experience, but 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 on my mind – coming back to rugby and doing what I do best. I can’t explain how excited I am!”
Rees-Zammit’s return couldn’t come at a more intriguing time for Welsh rugby. Wales are navigating one of their most difficult periods in recent history, having only just ended an 18-match losing streak. With Steve Tandy set to take over as head coach at the end of August, the timing of Rees-Zammit’s homecoming could provide a much-needed injection of pace, skill, and optimism into the squad.
The winger, who has 32 caps for Wales and was part of the British and Irish Lions squad for the 2021 tour of South Africa, will be a welcome sight for fans craving attacking flair. His raw speed and finishing ability made him one of the most exciting players in world rugby before his American adventure, and his return could give Wales a crucial spark as they rebuild ahead of the next Six Nations and beyond.
With no Welsh players in Andy Farrell’s starting XV for the Lions’ first Test against Australia this summer – the first time that’s happened since 1896 – Rees-Zammit’s return is also a statement. Wales desperately needs its stars back in form and on the field.
Where will he land? That’s still under wraps, but speculation will run rampant in the coming weeks. One thing is certain: Louis Rees-Zammit is back, and rugby just got a little more exciting
My Goat Sports 