Louis Rees-Zammit’s announcement that he will be returning to rugby union after falling short of realising his NFL dream has sparked interest as to who he will sign for.
In January last year, the Welshman made the shock decision to step away from rugby in order to join the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program.
He was picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs two months later after impressing at the NFL’s IPP Pro Day trials, reportedly attracting interest from over 12 franchises.
In August, his dream was thrown a lifeline when he was picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars after being cut by the Chiefs and placed on the waivers.
What’s next for Louis Rees-Zammit
Rees-Zammit looked to be a step closer to making his NFL debut when the Jaguars changed his roster status from Active to Exempt/International Player.
However, he failed to realise his dream, and earlier this month he announced that he would be returning to rugby.
Several reports have suggested that Rees-Zammit is eager to sign a deal with the rebel R360 league that is scheduled to kick off in September next year. Four ‘high-profile’ Springboks have reportedly signed pre-contractual agreements with the organisers, snapping up rugby league stars too.
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In the meantime, the Welshman has attracted interest from four clubs. His former employers, Gloucester, are understood to be one of the teams as are fellow Premiership clubs Bristol Bears and Newcastle Falcons.
However, according to Rugby Pass, Welsh region Cardiff “are the surprise suitors in the battle” for his signature. The report adds that Rees-Zammit is seeking a one-year deal with a view to joining R360 if it comes to fruition in 2026.
Cardiff do have the likes of Josh Adams, Theo Cabango and Iwan Stephens on their books ahead of next season, but have seen Regan Grace and Gabriel Hamer-Webb depart.
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With Red Bulls reportedly taking over Newcastle, the club can flex its newfound fortunes, but apparently won’t do so on the speedster simply because he is available.
Instead, the report has lock, fly-half and scrum-half as the club’s priority positions of recruitment and have targeted All Blacks number nine Finlay Christie.
Elsewhere, it is reported in Japan that former Wales head coach Warren Gatland will take over as the head coach of the Urayasu D-Rocks, landing his first job since parting ways with the Welsh Rugby Union.
READ MORE: Warren Gatland pips ex-Springbok to land first full-time gig after Wales sacking