Former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit has re-signed as a wide receiver with the Jacksonville Jaguars, ensuring he continues his pursuit of an NFL career following his switch from rugby union in January 2024.
Rees-Zammit will once again compete for a spot in the Jaguars’ 53-man squad ahead of the new NFL season, which begins in September. The 24-year-old remains eligible for their practice squad under the league’s International Player Programme, allowing him to be promoted to the active roster twice during the season without the Jaguars forfeiting one of their 53 regular spots.
The former Wales wing became a free agent after the Jaguars chose not to sign him on a reserve/future contract, leaving him free to negotiate with any team. However, this latest deal secures his place in Jacksonville for the next stage of his development.
Rees-Zammit caused a major stir in January 2024 when he announced his departure from rugby union to join the NFL’s international player pathway, a 10-week programme designed to develop and assess prospective players. Initially recruited by the Kansas City Chiefs for pre-season training, he later moved to Jacksonville last August and has now committed to staying with the franchise.
Despite not yet featuring in a competitive NFL game, Rees-Zammit played three pre-season matches for the Chiefs and was in New Orleans to witness his former side miss out on a third consecutive Super Bowl victory. His new deal also puts an end to speculation about a potential return to rugby union in the near future.
During his rugby career, Rees-Zammit earned 32 caps for Wales, scoring 14 tries. His final appearance came in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina—the first of what would become a record-breaking 14 consecutive Test losses for Wales, culminating in Warren Gatland’s departure during the 2025 Six Nations.
For now, Rees-Zammit remains committed to his NFL dream, hoping to make his mark as a wide receiver in Jacksonville.
