Why did Louis Rees-Zammit leave the NFL and return to rugby?

Louis Rees-Zammit announced on Thursday that he has decided to leave the NFL and return to rugby union, 18 months after stepping away from the sport to chase a dream in American football. The 24-year-old winger joined the NFL through the International Player Pathway program and spent time with both the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Despite multiple preseason appearances, he never played in a regular-season game and reportedly suffered a back injury, which hindered his NFL prospects prompting his decision to return to the sport where he made his name.

Rees-Zammit took to social media to announce his sudden departure from Pro football, stating: "It’s time to come home."


"It’s been a great experience, but it’s time to come home," he wrote. "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, (and) that’s doing what I do best. I can’t explain how excited I am!" wrote Rees-Zammit on Instagram.

“There'll be more news to come soon, but for now, see you soon rugby fans."

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According to ESPN, Rees-Zammit - who earned 32 caps for Wales and toured with the British & Irish Lions - began training with the Jacksonville Jaguars on July 23 but sustained a lower back injury during the team’s second practice. The setback limited his participation in the following five sessions.

Rees-Zammit's former club, Gloucester, is set to return to Premiership action on September 25, reported BBC, with the United Rugby Championship kicking off the very next day.