By Paul Jones
Warren Gatland would welcome Louis Rees-Zammit back to Welsh rugby with open arms – but doesn’t expect the former Wales wing to give up yet on his American dream.
Wales coach Gatland has admitted he has had no recent communication with his former player.
He also expects Rees-Zammit to remain in the United States as he continues his pursuit of an NFL career.
Rees-Zammit stepped away from rugby ahead of last year’s Six Nations to join the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program.
The initiative is designed to assist elite athletes in transitioning to American football and provides opportunities to secure contracts with NFL teams.
In March, the former Gloucester star signed a three-year deal as a running back with the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, he was released by the team in August and later joined the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad. His contract with the Jaguars has since expired.
Warren Gatland makes feelings clear on Louis Rees-Zammit return as he offers support https://t.co/1QJsrkTZsA pic.twitter.com/0sefrztAQm
— WalesOnline Rugby (@WalesRugby) January 21, 2025
Despite speculation that Rees-Zammit has a new offer on the table from Jacksonville, Gatland does not anticipate the former winger returning to rugby anytime soon.
He also revealed he has not received any updates from Rees-Zammit regarding his next move.
“We would love to have him back if he was available to us,” Gatland said in Rome for the media launch of the Six Nations.
“We’re just waiting to see what happens. My understanding is he has an approach in terms of being retained by Jacksonville.
“I don’t know about that. Whenever he wants to come back, he’d be more than welcome back in the fold.
“He’s only been away for 12 months. It’s about seeing what happens in terms of what decisions are made in the U.S.
“ He’d be more than welcome back into the fold. When you make such a big decision in terms of trying to follow your dreams, is 12 months enough to say you’ve tried?
“I don’t know what the answer to that is. There are a lot of stories about him out there.
“I continue to wish him all the best. I’d be more than happy to welcome him back with open arms.”
Warren Gatland opens the door for a rugby return for in-limbo Louis Rees-Zammit:
‘We would love to have him back if he was available.
‘Whenever he wants to come back, he’d be more than welcome back in the fold.’
Report from Rome on @MailSport:https://t.co/ndZ22a4B1e
— Alex Bywater (@_AlexBywater) January 21, 2025
Gatland believes the experience Rees-Zammit is gaining in America will be invaluable.
“It’s offered a different perspective on what a different sport does,” Gatland said.
“He’s said himself things are brutal there; American sport is brutal. You get a text or a call to turn up with your stuff and see you later you’re gone.
“Players are traded, they get that call saying sorry you’ve been traded to another team. There’s no discussion, no debate. From a growth point of view, that will give him a different perspective.
“I haven’t got enough experience or knowledge to comment on whether he’s good enough to play it, I just know that if he does decide to come back, then there’ll be a spot for him.”
