Wales coach Warren Gatland has confirmed that “there will be a place” for Louis Rees-Zammit in his team if he decides to return to rugby.
Rees-Zammit left the code of 15 in spectacular fashion last January to join the NFL International Player Pathway, which gives elite athletes from around the world the opportunity to earn a spot on an NFL roster.
He initially signed a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, but was later removed from their roster before joining the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Despite that change, the 23-year-old was unable to debut during the NFL regular season and is currently a free agent after his contract with the Florida-based team ended.
Eager to use Rees-Zammit again
And while it was recently reported that the Jaguars have given the Welshman the chance to keep his dream of playing in the NFL alive by offering him a deal to return next season, Gatland has left the door open for Rees-Zammit’s return to rugby.
“We would love to have him back if he was available for us,” Gatland said ahead of the Six Nations.
“We’re just waiting to see what happens. I understand he has a focus in terms of being retained by Jacksonville. I don’t know about that. Whenever he wants to return, he will be more than welcome back into the fold.
“He’s only been out for 12 months. It’s about seeing what happens in terms of the decisions that are made in the United States. He would be more than welcome back into the fold. When you make such a big decision in terms of trying to follow your dreams, is 12 months enough to say you’ve tried? I don’t know what the answer to that is.
Louis Rees-Zammit has ‘offer on the table’ to save NFL career as future remains up in the air
“There are a lot of stories about him out there. I continue to wish you all the best. “I would be more than happy to welcome you back with open arms.”
Rees-Zammit, who starred as a fullback at club level with Gloucester and internationally with Wales, tried his hand at running back during his time with the Chiefs, before moving to the wide receiver role with the Jaguars, and felt the latter position. It was more suited to his abilities.
The Jaguars will have a new head coach after Doug Pederson was fired at the end of the 2024/25 campaign following a poor campaign for his team in which they won just four games and lost 13.
Gatland acknowledged that Rees-Zammit faced several obstacles while pursuing his NFL dream, but feels the experience will be beneficial to the player regardless of his next step in his career.
“American sports are brutal”
“He has offered a different perspective on what makes a different sport,” the coach added. “He himself has said that things are brutal there; American sports are brutal.
“You get a text or call to come over with your stuff and we’ll see you later when you’re gone. Players are traded, receive a call apologizing for being transferred to another team. There is no discussion, there is no debate. From a growth standpoint, that will give you a different perspective.
“I don’t have enough experience or knowledge to comment on whether he’s good enough to play it, I just know that if he decides to come back there will be a place for him.”
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