Former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit has re-signed as a wide receiver with the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking a significant step in his aspiration to make a name for himself in the NFL arena. This latest deal signifies the continued evolution of Rees-Zammit’s professional journey, which began when he transitioned from rugby union to American football in January 2024.
This new contract allows the talented Welshman to maintain his quest of stepping onto the NFL stage, after previously showcasing his skills with both Wales and Gloucester in rugby. As the NFL season approaches, Rees-Zammit faces the competitive challenge of securing a position on the Jaguars’ 53-man roster, a pursuit he shares with a pool of 90 players vying for spots. The season is slated to kick off in September, and the stakes are high for Rees-Zammit as he navigates the rigorous selection process within the team.
At just 24 years old, Rees-Zammit not only has the opportunity to compete for a spot on the active roster but also has the flexibility to remain on the Jaguars’ practice squad, thanks to the provisions of the NFL’s International Player Programme. This program is designed to facilitate the integration of international athletes into the league, and it allows Rees-Zammit to be promoted to the active roster up to two times during the season without the Jaguars having to sacrifice one of their 53 regular players.
Rees-Zammit’s decision to leave behind rugby union was quite a stir in the sports world, especially when he made headlines earlier this year announcing his intent to pursue a future in the NFL. His move into the NFL’s international player pathway, a specialized 10-week training program aimed at nurturing aspiring players, highlighted his determination to transition effectively from one sport to another. Initially, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs for pre-season training but soon shifted gears, landing with the Jacksonville Jaguars in August. This latest deal reaffirms his commitment to his new athletic path, suggesting that a return to rugby union is not on the horizon.
Throughout his rugby career, Rees-Zammit demonstrated remarkable talent, scoring an impressive 14 tries in 32 appearances for the Wales national team. However, his last match with the national squad was during the World Cup quarter-finals, where Wales faced a disappointing defeat against Argentina. This loss added to a challenging streak that has seen the team struggle, culminating in a record 14 consecutive Test defeats, a situation that ultimately influenced the departure of coach Warren Gatland during the 2025 Six Nations.
Despite not yet making his debut in an NFL regular season game, Rees-Zammit has already gained valuable experience through his participation in three pre-season games for the Chiefs. He was also present in New Orleans to witness his former rugby team miss out on a third consecutive Super Bowl victory, an event that surely highlighted the contrasting paths of his professional journey. As he continues to hone his skills and seek a breakthrough in the NFL, the sports community is eager to see how Rees-Zammit’s unique experience in rugby will translate to the world of American football.
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