Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit’s bold transition to the NFL has yet to yield regular-season action, with the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad member now eyeing a potential return to rugby within “one to two more years” if his football aspirations stall.
From rugby stardom to NFL uncertainty
Rees-Zammit, 24, left rugby in early 2024 after winning the Six Nations with Wales in 2021 and representing the British & Irish Lions. His electrifying speed and athleticism earned him a spot in the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP), leading to a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. However, after appearing in three preseason games (one catch, three yards) and later being cut, he joined the Jaguars in 2024.
The International Player Pathway challenge
The IPP program grants international athletes roster exemptions, but Rees-Zammit’s journey has been uphill. Despite earning praise for his work ethic, he remains on Jacksonville’s practice squad, yet to secure a game-day role. His limited preseason production with Kansas City underscored the steep learning curve of transitioning from rugby’s free-flowing gameplay to NFL structure.
A self-imposed deadline
In a recent talkSPORT interview, Rees-Zammit acknowledged the ticking clock: “International players get probably two to three years to make it… I’ll be 25, 26 when I go back to rugby.” While committed to his NFL dream, he emphasized his confidence in returning to rugby’s elite level if needed. His timeline suggests the 2025 preseason could prove decisive.
Bridging two worlds
Rees-Zammit believes his NFL experience could enhance his rugby skills, citing prior cross-training benefits: “Having two years of [NFL training], I’ll definitely be able to excel again.” His focus on route-running, playbook mastery, and physical conditioning may translate to sharper decision-making and explosivity on the pitch.
What’s next for Rees-Zammit?
The Jaguars retain his rights via IPP rules, but his roster status remains uncertain. With Jacksonville rebuilding under coach Doug Pederson, Rees-Zammit must capitalize on training camp reps to showcase special teams value or situational offensive versatility. While his NFL dream persists, rugby’s pull grows stronger with each passing season—a reality this dual-sport pioneer now openly confronts.