"Waste" - Louis Rees-Zammit reveals the real reason he QUIT American Football
Rugby NewsTuesday, 19 August 2025 at 19:50
Louis Rees-Zammit has opened up on why he ended his short-lived NFL venture, admitting he felt his talent was being “wasted” before sealing a return to rugby with the Bristol Bears.
The Welsh flyer shocked the rugby world in January 2024 when he walked away from Gloucester to chase an American football dream. After spending time on the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars practice squads, the 24-year-old failed to break into a regular-season lineup.
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Fast forward 18 months, and Rees-Zammit is back in the Premiership, ready to reignite his rugby career.
“I’ve been kind of thinking about it for a while,” he told
talkSPORT. “I just felt like I was kind of wasting my talent over there. I was kind of getting minimal reps because it’s so hard to make it in the NFL. And unless you go through the college system, it’s even harder.”
Having signed a one-year deal with Bristol Bears, Rees-Zammit is set to return to action as early as next month.
He added: “I definitely could have continued through pre-season and further, but I just felt because it’s a sport that you can’t necessarily get yourself involved (in), you’re very reliant on other things happening around.
“Whereas rugby is a completely different sport. It’s one that you can kind of get yourself involved in the game a lot more and I can kind of use my attacking abilities within the game.”
He finished: “It just felt like the right time and I think Bristol Bears is the perfect team for me.”
Six most HATED rugby player, list includes Springboks
With legends like Johnny Sexton and Dan Biggar now retired, a new (and familiar) cast of characters dominates the “most hated” rankings, as voted by fans. Two Springboks feature — and one of them tops the list.
#6. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa/Sharks)
Position: Lock
Caps: 131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours: ? 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)
Caps: 131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours: ? 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)
A walking menace on the field, Etzebeth is the definition of a player you love on your team and loathe on the opposition. Brutal in the tackle, master of the dark arts in the ruck, and never far from an off-the-ball scrap. His sheer physical dominance and fiery temperament make him a nightmare for rivals.
That being said, many fans admire his old-school enforcer mentality — just as long as he's not slamming your favourite player into next week.
RUCK Verdict:
“One of the game’s last true hard men — and one of the most divisive.”
“One of the game’s last true hard men — and one of the most divisive.”
#5. Owen Farrell (England/Racing 92)
Position: Fly-Half/Centre
Caps: 112
Major Honours: ? England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours
Caps: 112
Major Honours: ? England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours
Once the undisputed No.1 on this list, Farrell has seen the hate ease up a bit since stepping away from England duty in 2024. But don’t be fooled — his infamous “shoulder-first” tackling style, fiery competitiveness, and snarling leadership still rile up fans and pundits alike.
Farrell's critics point to repeated high tackles and lenient disciplinary treatment, while supporters admire his elite mentality and unwavering loyalty.
RUCK Verdict:
“Still England’s pantomime villain — unless he’s your guy. Then he walks on water.”
“Still England’s pantomime villain — unless he’s your guy. Then he walks on water.”
#4. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Position: Full-Back
Caps: 100
Major Honours: ? British & Irish Lions (2013, 2017, 2021), 2x Six Nations Player of the Championship
Caps: 100
Major Honours: ? British & Irish Lions (2013, 2017, 2021), 2x Six Nations Player of the Championship
Hogg's fall from grace has been swift and sad. Once a beloved figure in Scottish rugby and known for his attacking brilliance, recent headlines have painted a darker picture. Legal issues and personal controversies have led to widespread public criticism.
Despite his stunning career on the pitch, it’s his off-field actions — including pleading guilty to prolonged domestic abuse — that have landed him on this list.
RUCK Verdict:
“A tragic descent from fan favourite to tabloid target.”
“A tragic descent from fan favourite to tabloid target.”
#3. Tomás Lavanini (Argentina)
Position: Lock
Caps: 86
Major Honours: ? Key figure in Pumas’ historic wins over All Blacks and England
Caps: 86
Major Honours: ? Key figure in Pumas’ historic wins over All Blacks and England
When you think of disciplinary records, you think Lavanini. The towering Argentine has earned a reputation as rugby’s ultimate red card magnet. Reckless tackles, repeated bans, and a total disregard for subtlety define his chaotic playing style.
He’s cleaned up his act — somewhat — in recent years, but the image of him flying into a ruck like a missile is hard to forget.
RUCK Verdict:
“A walking yellow card — and somehow still box office.”
“A walking yellow card — and somehow still box office.”
#2. Israel Folau (Australia & Tonga)
Position: Full-Back/Wing
Caps: 73 (Australia), 6 (Tonga)
Major Honours: ? Waratahs Super Rugby Champion, dual international (NRL & rugby union)
Caps: 73 (Australia), 6 (Tonga)
Major Honours: ? Waratahs Super Rugby Champion, dual international (NRL & rugby union)
Once a generational talent and one of the most exciting backs in world rugby, Folau’s downfall was fast and public. In 2019, he was sacked by Rugby Australia after posting a series of homophobic social media messages — citing his religious beliefs.
He took legal action for unfair dismissal, resulting in a confidential settlement. Folau later switched allegiance to represent Tonga under World Rugby’s eligibility changes. His return has sparked both support and outrage — no middle ground here.
RUCK Verdict:
“A career undone by controversy. From electric to exiled — and back again.”
“A career undone by controversy. From electric to exiled — and back again.”
#1. Jaden Hendrikse (South Africa/Sharks)
Position: Scrum-Half
Caps: 20
Major Honours: ? Rugby World Cup winner (2023)
Caps: 20
Major Honours: ? Rugby World Cup winner (2023)
The latest entry, and a surprising one at that. Hendrikse earned fans’ ire after his antics in the URC quarter-final vs Munster, where he appeared to fake cramp and delay a crucial kick — before winking at Jack Crowley on the turf. Yes, really.
The mind games might have worked, but it struck many as unsportsmanlike, especially on such a big stage. His place at the top of this list shows how quickly reputations can sour — even for a young World Cup winner.
RUCK Verdict:
“New kid on the block — and already public enemy number one.”
“New kid on the block — and already public enemy number one.”
Can You Name Every 2021 British & Irish Lions Player?
Think you remember the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa? It’s been a few years since that brutal, bruising, and controversial Test series — but true rugby heads never forget.
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- 42 players were named in Warren Gatland’s final squad
- The Lions won the First Test 22-17, but the Springboks hit back to win the series 2-1
- The decider? A gritty 19-16 Springbok victory that still stings for many fans
Now it's time to test your memory.
- How many of those 42 Lions can you name?
- No hints. No positions. Just rugby IQ.
- You’ve got 5 minutes.
Take the quiz, scroll down, and start typing.
Let’s see what you’re made of.
Let’s see what you’re made of.
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