LOUIS Rees-Zammit is reportedly set to join the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to sources in the United States. The former Wales rugby star, who recently missed out on securing a spot on the Kansas City Chiefs’ 53-man NFL roster, was initially expected to remain with the Chiefs’ practice squad. However, recent developments suggest he may instead be making the switch to Jacksonville.
Rees-Zammit, 23, has already removed his Chiefs profile picture from his social media accounts, further fuelling speculation about his potential move. The former rugby union wing had been signed as a running back by Kansas City on a three-year deal after successfully progressing through the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program. Despite playing in three pre-season games for the Chiefs, including one against the Jaguars, he was not selected for the team’s final roster on ‘cutdown day’.
NFL teams begin the off-season with a training squad of 90 players, which must be reduced to 53 for the start of the season. This selection deadline was reached on Tuesday, leading to Rees-Zammit being placed on waivers, allowing other teams to sign him. While it was initially expected that he would continue his development with Kansas City, interest from other franchises, including Jacksonville, has altered those plans.
The Jaguars were among several teams impressed by Rees-Zammit’s performance during the IPP pro day in March. He made his American Football debut against Jacksonville earlier this month in Kansas City’s opening pre-season game.
Each NFL team is permitted to have one player signed through the IPP program on its practice squad, in addition to 16 other players. Practice squad members are allowed to train with the team during the week but are not eligible to play in actual games unless promoted to the regular roster.
Rees-Zammit shocked the rugby world in January when he announced his decision to leave Wales and Gloucester to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL. According to a source reported by ESPN, he will now continue to chase that ambition with the Jaguars in Florida.
The Jaguars have a strong presence in the UK and are set to play twice in London this season. They will face the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before hosting the New England Patriots at Wembley.
