London (AFP) – Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit said on Friday he was returning to rugby union after giving up on his attempt to break into the NFL. Rees-Zammit spent last season with Jacksonville Jaguars having been cut by the Kansas City Chiefs the previous campaign, but failed to make an NFL appearance for either franchise as a wide receiver.
The 24-year-old had originally made the move across the sports by joining the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program in 2024. “It’s been a great experience but it’s time to come home,” Rees-Zammit said on social media. “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,” he added.
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The former British and Irish Lions speedster did not disclose which club he would be playing for in the coming campaign. Struggling Wales’ next game is against Argentina on November 9 as they eye a first Test win at home since August 2023. “There’s only one thing that’s on my mind, that’s coming back to rugby and doing what I do best,” Rees-Zammit said. “There’ll be more news to come soon,” he added.
The Welsh Rugby Union gave Rees-Zammit’s announcement a tongue-in-cheek response, posting on social media: “We hope you make it back in time for selection…but if you don’t” with a link to the ticketing website.
© 2024 AFP
