Louis Rees-Zammit’s bold gamble to swap rugby union for a shot at NFL stardom has officially ended in disappointment, with the Welsh speedster announcing his return to the sport where he made his name.
Eighteen months after turning his back on rugby to pursue an American football career, Rees-Zammit confirmed on Thursday - around midnight - that he’s stepping away from the NFL dream without ever having played a competitive game.
“I’ve decided to leave the NFL and return to rugby,” he wrote in a social media post.
“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!”
The 24-year-old left Gloucester and international rugby in January 2024 to join the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) — a programme designed to introduce overseas athletes to American football.
He was one of the more high-profile names to enter the system, having already earned 32 caps for Wales and built a reputation as one of rugby’s most exciting attacking talents.
Initially signed by Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs, Rees-Zammit featured in their off-season and pre-season programme.
READ MORE: Louis Rees-Zammit Offered Old Job Back By Wales Coach Warren Gatland
But despite a significant media spotlight and global interest, he failed to make a lasting impression.
He was released ahead of the regular season, having struggled to adapt to the nuances of the NFL game in time.
That setback led to a second opportunity with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who signed Rees-Zammit to their practice squad.
Under the NFL’s IPP regulations, he was eligible to be elevated to the active roster on two occasions throughout the 2024 season — including during the team’s games in London, which drew considerable interest from UK fans.
But the Jaguars never activated him, leaving Rees-Zammit sidelined throughout the campaign.
While still on Jacksonville’s extended off-season roster heading into 2025, reports from the team’s training camp in July revealed that Rees-Zammit had missed multiple sessions due to a lower back injury.
With competition for roster spots intensifying and questions over his development mounting, his chances of making the 53-man squad looked increasingly remote.
Thursday’s announcement ended months of speculation about his future, and while Rees-Zammit remained positive in tone, the decision underscores the harsh reality of trying to break into the NFL from a different sporting background.
READ MORE: Louis Rees-Zammit Told He Most Improve His Mind Game If He’s To Make It In NFL
Despite his elite pace and natural athleticism — traits he honed as a wing in international rugby — Rees-Zammit faced a steep learning curve in switching to a sport that demands not just physical gifts but years of positional training and tactical understanding.
Unlike fellow IPP graduate Jordan Mailata, who eventually thrived with the Philadelphia Eagles after years of development, Rees-Zammit had little time to adjust before roster cuts loomed.
His return to rugby will be welcomed by fans in both Wales and England.
Before his departure, Rees-Zammit was a fixture in the Welsh backline, scoring thrilling tries at Test level and wowing crowds with his raw pace and attacking flair.
He helped Gloucester reach Premiership play-offs and had been widely seen as one of British rugby’s brightest stars.
Gloucester, who kick off their 2025–26 Gallagher Premiership season on 25 September, are expected to welcome their former star back with open arms.
READ MORE: Louis Rees-Zammit Not Expected To Make The Cut With Kansas City Chiefs
Meanwhile, the United Rugby Championship begins a day later, and speculation is already mounting as to whether Wales may try to target Rees-Zammit - and place him with a Welsh region - as he rebuilds his rugby career.
What remains clear is that Rees-Zammit’s American adventure, while bold and headline-grabbing, ultimately did not produce the fairytale ending some hoped for.
But at just 24, with his prime years ahead of him and plenty of rugby still to play, he returns with a broader perspective and a point to prove.
“There’s only one thing that’s on my mind, that’s coming back to rugby and doing what I do best.”
