Louis Rees-Zammit has opened up about a tumultuous crossroads in his early rugby career, revealing a dramatic ultimatum from his Welsh club and an unexpected approach from England that could have changed his international future. The former Wales wing—now making a name for himself in American football with the Jacksonville Jaguars—has reflected candidly on the defining years that shaped his journey in sport.
The story emerged during Rees-Zammit’s appearance on “The Overlap’s Stick To Rugby” podcast, where he spoke to Tom Shanklin, Katy Daly-McLean, and Lawrence Dallaglio about the formative period before his first international cap for Wales. While currently stationed in the UK as part of his new sporting commitments, Rees-Zammit took the opportunity to recount to the panel the crucial choices that ultimately steered him towards Test rugby for Wales.
Discussing his pathway through Cardiff Schools and the then-Cardiff Blues (now Cardiff Rugby) under-16s, Rees-Zammit shared how he set his sights on Hartpury College in Gloucester—a renowned breeding ground for rugby talent. The decision, however, came with significant risk. He alleged Cardiff Blues issued a stark warning, stating, “If you go across the bridge, you’re not allowed to play for Cardiff.”
Facing this hardline ultimatum, Rees-Zammit weighed his options with family. “I decided to leave Cardiff Blues,” he explained, pointing to the reputational strength of Hartpury College for both sporting and academic advancement. But following his departure, a coach delivered a crushing prediction—that he would never play for Wales. The memory of those words, according to Rees-Zammit, only strengthened his resolve to pursue a more promising route in England.
At Hartpury, Rees-Zammit quickly assimilated on the rugby course, switching to a BTEC to join what would become a close-knit group of rugby hopefuls. “After just a day, I realised all the players were doing a BTEC, so I switched,” he recalled, painting a picture of classroom camaraderie where studies took a back seat as rugby became the central focus.
During the podcast, Rees-Zammit did not shy away from identifying the source of the sweeping “never play for Wales” remark, naming the then-Cardiff Blues head of academy, Richard Hodges. Lawrence Dallaglio quipped about the folly of such a pronouncement, while Shanklin observed that clubs often try to frighten departing talent into staying local. Rees-Zammit, however, said these tactics backfired, concluding, “If anything, it just pushed me towards Hartpury.”
His gamble soon attracted attention. Within a fortnight at Hartpury, he was invited to a trial with Gloucester’s academy—a turning point that catapulted him into the English rugby limelight. But as his performances blossomed in the English Premiership, another twist took shape. Rees-Zammit revealed, “Eddie Jones rang me first to play for England,” referring to the former England coach’s direct inquiry about his eligibility and interest. This surprise approach seemed to jolt Welsh rugby authorities, as Rees-Zammit noted that Welsh head coach Wayne Pivac was on the phone to him “within a day”.
Despite having spent two years at Gloucester at that stage—just one shy of becoming English-qualified via residency—Rees-Zammit reiterates his heart lay with Wales. Nevertheless, the call from Jones underscored his rapidly growing reputation and the keen interest both rugby powerhouses had in his future.
Rees-Zammit also described his early days in the Wales squad, highlighting a period of frustration in the 2020 Six Nations when, despite being involved in the camp throughout, he failed to win a first cap. Had circumstances been different, he might have become one of the youngest to feature for Wales at the time. However, patience paid off when he finally debuted against France in the autumn internationals of that year.
As Rees-Zammit’s career trajectory has since taken him to the NFL, his reflections offer insight into the pressures and pivotal calls that shape young elite athletes. For many, his experience serves as a stark reminder that pursuing the best opportunities—no matter where they may lie—can test both loyalty and ambition, but ultimately define a player’s path.
The full episode of Stick To Rugby is available to watch online for those keen to hear Rees-Zammit’s story in his own words.