From the NFL to the Rugby Union: A Story of Self-Discovery and Redemption

Louis Rees-Zammit, the 24-year-old Welsh rugby union player, has announced his return to the sport after a brief stint in the National Football League (NFL). The decision, made after 18 months of trying to make it in the NFL, has been met with both surprise and excitement from fans and coaches alike.

Rees-Zammit, who won 32 caps for Wales between 2020 and 2023, left rugby to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL. Despite signing contracts with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, he failed to play a competitive game. However, he claims that his time in the NFL was not a failure, but rather a valuable experience that allowed him to learn from global figures like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

“I just felt like I was kind of wasting my talent out there,” Rees-Zammit said. “I gave it my best shot, but it’s very difficult to get into the NFL if you haven’t gone through the college system. It makes sense from a coach’s point of view, because those boys have been playing that sport for so long and it’s hard to coach someone up on the sport they’ve never played before.”

During his time in the NFL, Rees-Zammit was able to learn from some of the sport’s top players, including Mahomes and Kelce. He also had the opportunity to train with some of the league’s top coaches, which he credits with helping him develop his skills.

“It was a great experience, and I learned a lot from it,” Rees-Zammit said. “But at the end of the day, I realized that rugby is where my heart is, and I want to focus on that.”

Rees-Zammit’s decision to return to rugby has been met with enthusiasm from fans and coaches. The Bristol Bears, the team he has signed with for the upcoming season, is eager to see him regain his form and contribute to the team’s success.

“I’m very happy that I made the decision to come back to rugby,” Rees-Zammit said. “I’ve gone out, did it, played a year, and made a decision to come back and really express my game again. It was a gradual thing, but when I went back for year two, I kept thinking about what would happen if I came back to rugby.”

Rees-Zammit’s return to rugby comes at a time when the sport is facing a decline in popularity in Wales. The national team has struggled since his departure, losing all but one of their last 18 Tests. However, Rees-Zammit is confident that he can make a positive impact on the team and help Wales regain their form.

“I’m excited to be back in rugby and to be able to contribute to the team’s success,” Rees-Zammit said. “I’m looking forward to regaining my match fitness and seeing what opportunities arise.”

As Rees-Zammit prepares for his return to the field, he is aware of the weight of expectation that comes with being one of the sport’s true superstars. However, he is determined to prove himself and make a successful comeback.

“The skill isn’t really the issue, it’s just about being match fit,” Rees-Zammit said. “There’s a lot more conditioning in rugby – in NFL it’s more anaerobic fitness, being able to do repeated sprints, not so much long-distance stuff because the [time of the] ball in play here is very high.”

Rees-Zammit has been working hard to regain his match fitness, and he is confident that he will be ready for the upcoming season. He has been training with the Bristol Bears, and he has been impressed with the team’s coaching staff and his new teammates.

“The coaches are great, and the lads are all really welcoming,” Rees-Zammit said. “I’m excited to be a part of the team and to contribute to their success.”

Rees-Zammit’s return to rugby has also sparked speculation about his future plans. There have been rumors that he may join the proposed breakaway rebel circuit R360 in a year’s time, but he has not commented on these rumors.

“I’m just focused on the present moment and on regaining my match fitness,” Rees-Zammit said. “I’ll worry about the future when the time comes.”

Overall, Rees-Zammit’s return to rugby is a positive development for the sport, and it is exciting to see him back on the field.