**Louis Rees-Zammit Returns to Rugby Roots as Jacksonville Jaguars Face Stiff Competition**
Welsh sporting sensation Louis Rees-Zammit has briefly set aside his gridiron pursuits to revisit his rugby roots, as the Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver prepares for the imminent start of his second NFL pre-season. The 23-year-old, who made headlines last year after swapping the rugby pitch for American football, has been spotted back in familiar territory in the United Kingdom over the past weeks.
Between appearances on various British podcasts and television programmes, Rees-Zammit has made the most of his time on home soil, catching up with friends and maintaining his rigorous training regime. A highlight was a friendly face-off with Isaac Marsh—a rugby coach and Cardiff Metropolitan University player—who is known in online circles as Kaizen Rugby. The pair, once teammates at the Gloucester academy, reconnected for a spirited kicking challenge that showcased their enduring camaraderie and competitive spark.
Their meeting, which played out amidst challenging conditions with a blustery 30mph wind, was featured on Instagram and drew attention from both rugby and NFL fans. The contest saw both men attempting to convert difficult kicks from tough angles, with Rees-Zammit narrowly clinching victory after Marsh’s final attempt missed its target.
Their partnership goes beyond sport, with Marsh attributing years of continued friendship to their shared experiences, even crediting Rees-Zammit for inadvertently introducing him to his current partner. Marsh has previously spoken about staying with Rees-Zammit during lockdown, underlining the Welsh international’s lasting impact on those around him, both on and off the field.
As pre-season approaches, the focus will soon return to Rees-Zammit’s NFL ambitions. After a period dedicated to rest and family in the UK, the Welshman is set to report back to Jacksonville as rookies assemble at the Miller Electric Centre from 19 July, with the full squad joining a few days later. The Jaguars begin their trio of pre-season fixtures in August, with a crucial opportunity for Rees-Zammit to stake a claim for either a roster or practice squad spot by the month’s end.
Yet, a fresh challenge has emerged for Rees-Zammit in the Jaguars’ receiver room. The Florida franchise has recently secured the services of Travis Hunter—a 22-year-old talent tipped as one of the most exciting prospects in US college football. Hunter has signed a record-breaking four-year deal worth $46.65 million (£33.8m), all of which is fully guaranteed. His package also includes a $30.57 million (£22m) upfront bonus, making him the first non-quarterback not drafted first overall to receive such terms.
This high-profile acquisition has intensified the competition for playing time at receiver, potentially impacting Rees-Zammit’s prospects. Nevertheless, the former British & Irish Lion sees this as additional motivation, acknowledging the limited time international players typically have to establish themselves in the NFL. Speaking candidly on talkSPORT, Rees-Zammit explained, “International players get probably two to three years to make it in the NFL. I’m 24 now; I’ve got one to two more years, depending on how things go.”
Rees-Zammit’s NFL journey is carefully timed, ensuring he could yet return to rugby at a high level should he decide to make the switch back in his mid-to-late twenties. “When I was playing rugby, I went to America twice to train, and the things I learned there I knew straight away would help my game,” he added. “Now, having two years [in the NFL], if I have to go back I’ll definitely be able to excel again.”
He was also quick to praise Hunter’s prowess, noting the rookie’s unique ability to play both offensive and defensive roles at college—the kind of versatility rare even in elite company. “Learning an offence is hard enough, let alone the defensive side. He’s a talented kid,” said Rees-Zammit, adding that Hunter’s personality and work ethic have already left a positive impression on the Jaguars’ locker room.
As Rees-Zammit faces these fresh sporting challenges, fans will be watching closely to see whether he can carve out a lasting place in the NFL—while keeping a door open for a possible return to rugby prominence. The coming months will be crucial, both for his American football prospects and in maintaining the options that continue to make his sporting journey one of the most intriguing cross-code stories in recent years.