Rees-Zammit to decide on new NFL team 'next week'

Louis Rees-Zammit scored three tries for the British and Irish Lions on the 2021 tour of South Africa, prior to switching sports

Former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit says he is looking forward to a second year in American football and expects a decision on where he plays to be made "in the next week or so".

The 24-year-old is a free agent after the Jacksonville Jaguars opted not to sign him on a reserve/future contract, so he is able to negotiate with any team.

Rees-Zammit shocked rugby union in January 2024 when he announced he was quitting the sport to enter the NFL's international player pathway, a 10-week crash course designed to teach and assess aspiring players.

Initially signed to the Kansas City Chiefs for pre-season training, he moved on to Jacksonville last August and is now considering his plans for 2025 into 2026.

"Yeah, looking for options," Rees-Zammit told ITV Sport.

"I think in the next week or so we'll make a decision on where I am next year, but you know the past year has been [a] crazy experience. Mentally, physically, it's been tough, but it was a journey I've always wanted to be on so I'm loving it."

Rees-Zammit scored 14 tries for Wales in 32 games. His last appearance for the national side was in the World Cup quarter-final defeat against Argentina, the first loss in what has become a record 14 consecutive Test defeats for Warren Gatland's team.

There is no sign of him ditching his NFL aspirations for a quick return to boost the Wales cause.

"It's been a very tough year, but it's one that I've learned so much [from] and I can really look forward to this year coming," said Rees-Zammit, adding he was taking positive steps towards finding a new team.

"Definitely active and that's why I said next week my decision will be made, so hopefully I'll find a team then and I'll look forward to pre-season."

Rees-Zammit has yet to feature in the NFL, but he played three pre-season games for the Chiefs and was in New Orleans to watch his former employers miss out on a third successive Super Bowl triumph.

Kansas City assistant head coach Dave Toub, who worked with Rees-Zammit last summer, still believes the Welshman can make it in American football.

"I love him. I really like him. He was a hard worker," Toub told AFP in the build-up to the Chiefs' 40-22 Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

"He didn't have the base fundamentals that these guys have; there's going to be a learning curve for him.

"I hope he doesn't give up. I think after two or three years, if it doesn't click by then, time to go back to rugby."

The former Wales and British and Irish Lions wing also received the backing of the Eagles' former rugby league player Jordan Mailata.

"Everyone is going to face a hurdle at some point," Australian Mailata told AFP.

"You have to want to jump over that hurdle. I want Louis to keep going. It's not over yet son."