Determined Rees-Zammit ’never thought about rugby return’

Louis Rees-Zammit, the wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, claims he has “never considered” playing rugby union.

The 24-year-old made a shock switch to American football in January 2024, but his rookie campaign was unsuccessful.

Despite the lack of playing time, Rees-Zammit, who won 32 Wales rugby caps, is as determined as ever to succeed in the NFL.

“I’ve never thought about going back to rugby,” Rees-Zammit told BBC Sport Wales.

“It hasn’t been in my head that I’m not going to do this. I’ve always wanted this.

Rees-Zammit re-signed for the Jaguars on Monday, after Jacksonville initially opted not to sign him on a reserve/future contract in January.

The new deal means Rees-Zammit will form part of the Jaguars ‘ off-season roster, which can include as many as 90 players.

The former Gloucester and 2021 British and Irish Lions wing’s selection for an active regular-season roster is the club’s next priority.

Rees-Zammit would have to reduce his 90-player roster to 53, which he was unable to do with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024.

” The first step of the dream is to make an active roster, I’m doing everything I can to make that happen, “said Rees-Zammit.

“It’s my dream, and I try my hardest to make it come true by making the roster,” he said.

“Every day is a challenge, every day is hard hard work, but it is one that for this dream to come true is worth doing.

Rees-Zammit returns to the franchise, but a sizable portion of the coaching staff cannot be said.

This off-season the Jaguars have parted ways with their head coach, Doug Pederson, their offensive and defensive co-ordinators, as well as general manager Trent Baalke.

After his impressive season as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, Jacksonville has since named Liam Coen as their new head coach.

A franchise that lost just four games last season has rediscovered hope thanks to Coen and his coaches.

They’re yet another reason I’d like to play for the Jaguars. It’s so exciting this project, “added Rees-Zammit.

I want to participate in it, and I want to learn the most.

“We had some serious weapons in our squad, and the Buccaneers offence was fantastic last year,” said the team.