Statement: Louis Rees-Zammit QUITS NFL wit immediate effect
Rugby NewsFriday, 01 August 2025 at 06:05
Louis Rees-Zammit has confirmed he’s leaving the NFL behind to make a sensational return to rugby union.
The 24-year-old initially stunned the rugby world when he quit the sport 18 months ago to chase a dream career in American football.
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After training with the Kansas City Chiefs and spending time on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad, Rees-Zammit failed to make a regular season appearance.
"I've decided to leave the NFL and return to rugby," wrote Rees-Zammit in a social media post.
"It's been a great experience, but it's time to come home. I've decided that this is the best time to make this decision to give myself time to get everything in place for next season.
"There's only one thing that's on my mind, that's coming back to rugby and doing what I do best.
"I can't explain how excited I am!"
The Welsh speedster joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) in early 2024 and was quickly signed by the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs. But after a string of underwhelming pre-season performances, he was cut.
Rees-Zammit then signed with the Jaguars, spending the rest of the year on their practice squad. Despite being eligible for promotion under IPP rules, he was never activated—missing out on both of Jacksonville’s international fixtures in London.
Though he was briefly re-signed for the off-season, reports from July’s training camp suggested Rees-Zammit had missed several sessions due to a lower back injury, casting fresh doubt over his NFL future.
Now, the former Wales and Gloucester flyer has pulled the pin on his American adventure and set his sights firmly back on the rugby pitch.
Before his NFL switch, Rees-Zammit had already racked up 32 caps for Wales and was one of the most exciting young talents in the game.
His old club, Gloucester, are back in Premiership action on 25 September, while the URC kicks off a day later.
One thing is clear: Rees-Zammit is coming home—and he’s hungry.
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Updated 2027 Rugby World Cup draw, England get easy group
he tournament’s structure and timing now better reflect current global rankings, thanks to a late pool draw in December this year made possible by reforms in 2022.
Here’s a breakdown of the predicted groups and team bios for the RWC 2027:
? Group A
??
The reigning world champions and four-time RWC winners, the Springboks bring a powerhouse blend of physicality, tactical brilliance, and iconic leadership.
Argentina ??
Los Pumas continue to rise as a Tier 1 nation, combining flair and fearlessness. Semifinalists in 2007 and 2015, they’re known for big-game upsets.
Los Pumas continue to rise as a Tier 1 nation, combining flair and fearlessness. Semifinalists in 2007 and 2015, they’re known for big-game upsets.
Samoa ??
With deep roots in rugby tradition, Samoa’s raw physicality and natural flair make them one of the most dangerous Tier 2 teams in the game.
With deep roots in rugby tradition, Samoa’s raw physicality and natural flair make them one of the most dangerous Tier 2 teams in the game.
Tonga ??
The ‘Ikale Tahi’ bring bone-crunching tackles and island pride. With several stars playing abroad, Tonga is always capable of springing a surprise.
The ‘Ikale Tahi’ bring bone-crunching tackles and island pride. With several stars playing abroad, Tonga is always capable of springing a surprise.
? Group B
New Zealand ??
The legendary All Blacks need no introduction—three-time world champions with a relentless pursuit of perfection and a legacy of innovation.
The legendary All Blacks need no introduction—three-time world champions with a relentless pursuit of perfection and a legacy of innovation.
Scotland ?
A Six Nations stalwart, Scotland blends tactical kicking and dynamic playmakers, looking to go beyond the quarterfinals for the first time since 1991.
A Six Nations stalwart, Scotland blends tactical kicking and dynamic playmakers, looking to go beyond the quarterfinals for the first time since 1991.
Japan ??
The Brave Blossoms became global darlings in 2019 with a stunning quarterfinal run. Expect lightning-quick rucks and passionate homegrown talent.
The Brave Blossoms became global darlings in 2019 with a stunning quarterfinal run. Expect lightning-quick rucks and passionate homegrown talent.
Chile ??
One of the emerging forces from South America, Chile made its first RWC appearance in 2023. Physical, proud, and improving fast.
One of the emerging forces from South America, Chile made its first RWC appearance in 2023. Physical, proud, and improving fast.
☘️ Group C
Ireland ??
The current Six Nations champions and long-time world number one, Ireland seek to finally break their quarterfinal curse with a golden generation.
The current Six Nations champions and long-time world number one, Ireland seek to finally break their quarterfinal curse with a golden generation.
Fiji ??
Masters of running rugby, Fiji’s offloading game and growing discipline under top-tier coaching make them a serious threat to any opponent.
Masters of running rugby, Fiji’s offloading game and growing discipline under top-tier coaching make them a serious threat to any opponent.
Spain ??
Los Leones are rapidly growing in the European rugby scene, blending speed and flair. Their qualification signals a new frontier for Spanish sport.
Los Leones are rapidly growing in the European rugby scene, blending speed and flair. Their qualification signals a new frontier for Spanish sport.
Romania ??
One of Europe’s oldest rugby nations, the Oaks are known for forward dominance and proud World Cup heritage dating back to the tournament's inception.
One of Europe’s oldest rugby nations, the Oaks are known for forward dominance and proud World Cup heritage dating back to the tournament's inception.
?? Group D
France ??
With dazzling backs and a rock-solid forward pack, Les Bleus are perennial contenders. Hosting in 2023 has reinvigorated their World Cup ambitions.
With dazzling backs and a rock-solid forward pack, Les Bleus are perennial contenders. Hosting in 2023 has reinvigorated their World Cup ambitions.
Italy ??
Improving steadily in the Six Nations, Italy combines young talent with seasoned veterans, eager to progress past the pool stage for the first time.
Improving steadily in the Six Nations, Italy combines young talent with seasoned veterans, eager to progress past the pool stage for the first time.
USA ??
The Eagles are building toward hosting the 2031 RWC, and 2027 will be a crucial stepping stone. Athleticism is abundant—structure is the next step.
The Eagles are building toward hosting the 2031 RWC, and 2027 will be a crucial stepping stone. Athleticism is abundant—structure is the next step.
Belgium ??
A surprise qualifier, Belgium’s Black Devils have risen thanks to domestic development and strategic coaching. This is their chance to make history.
A surprise qualifier, Belgium’s Black Devils have risen thanks to domestic development and strategic coaching. This is their chance to make history.
?☠️ Group E
England ?
The 2003 world champions remain a major force. With a powerful set piece and tactical nous, they always make deep runs in World Cups.
The 2003 world champions remain a major force. With a powerful set piece and tactical nous, they always make deep runs in World Cups.
Georgia ??
Kings of the scrum, Georgia has long pushed for inclusion in the Six Nations. 2027 could be their breakout year on the global stage.
Kings of the scrum, Georgia has long pushed for inclusion in the Six Nations. 2027 could be their breakout year on the global stage.
Uruguay ??
Los Teros have become a staple at RWCs and continue to punch above their weight, fueled by tenacity and growing domestic structures.
Los Teros have become a staple at RWCs and continue to punch above their weight, fueled by tenacity and growing domestic structures.
Hong Kong China ??
A fast-developing rugby nation, Hong Kong brings agility and speed. Their appearance in 2027 is a testament to Asia’s growing rugby footprint.
A fast-developing rugby nation, Hong Kong brings agility and speed. Their appearance in 2027 is a testament to Asia’s growing rugby footprint.
? Group F
Australia ?? (Host)
Two-time champions and hosts of RWC 2027, the Wallabies are looking to bounce back from recent struggles with the home crowd behind them.
Two-time champions and hosts of RWC 2027, the Wallabies are looking to bounce back from recent struggles with the home crowd behind them.
Wales ?
A proud rugby nation with three semifinal appearances, Wales combines tradition with explosive talent in the backline.
A proud rugby nation with three semifinal appearances, Wales combines tradition with explosive talent in the backline.
Portugal ??
The "Lobos" won hearts in 2023 with their fearless play. Technically sharp and fast-improving, they are no longer underdogs.
The "Lobos" won hearts in 2023 with their fearless play. Technically sharp and fast-improving, they are no longer underdogs.
Zimbabwe ??
Returning to the RWC stage for the first time in decades, Zimbabwe’s qualification marks a historic comeback for African rugby.
Returning to the RWC stage for the first time in decades, Zimbabwe’s qualification marks a historic comeback for African rugby.
?️ A Tournament of Opportunity
The expanded format ensures more nations, more stories, and more reasons to believe in rugby’s global mission. For some teams, it’s about lifting the Webb Ellis Cup. For others, it’s about making history, inspiring a new generation, and proving that rugby is for everyone, everywhere.
With Australia as the host—rugby-mad and world-class—the stage is set for the most inclusive Rugby World Cup ever.
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