Wales head coach Warren Gatland has said there will be “a place” for Lewis Rees-Zammit if he decides to return to rugby union amid his pursuit of a chance in the AFL.
Rhys-Zammit spent the 2024 season in the Jacksonville Jaguars' coaching staff after quitting rugby on the eve of last year's Six Nations to join the AFL's International Player Pathway programme.
He initially signed with the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and featured heavily in the preseason before being released and picked up by the Jaguars.
The former Gloucester winger did not feature for the Jaguars during the regular season and recently saw his contract expire.
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“We would love to have him back if he was available to us,” Gatland said ahead of the Six Nations. “We're just waiting to see what happens. My understanding is that he has an approach in terms of keeping him in Jacksonville. I don't know anything about that. Whenever he wants to come back, he would be very welcome back. 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 will be very welcome back into the fold. When you make such a big decision in terms of trying to pursue your dreams, is 12 months enough to say that you Tried? I don't know what the answer is.
“There are so many stories about him. I still wish him all the best. I would be very happy to welcome him back with open arms.”
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Rhys Zammit played four different positions in his Kansas City Chiefs debut!
The 23-year-old initially coached as a running back during his tenure with the Chiefs, before shifting his focus to playing wide receiver for the Jags, a position he felt was better suited to his skill set.
The Jaguars are preparing to enter the 2025 season under a new coach after Doug Pederson was fired at the end of the season after his team finished 4-13.
While acknowledging the obstacles facing Rhys-Zammit in his pursuit of a chance in the AFL, Gatland believes the experience will be beneficial regardless of what the future holds.
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“It brought a different perspective on what a different sport does,” Gatland added. “He said himself it's brutal over there; American sports are brutal. You get a text or a phone call to come get your stuff and then we'll see you later after you're gone. Players get traded, and they get that call saying sorry you're gone.” He was traded to another team, there's no discussion, from a growth standpoint, it would give him a different perspective.
“I don't have enough experience or knowledge to comment on whether he is good enough to play, I just know that if he decides to come back, there will be a place for him.”
Rees-Zammit was one of 23 IPP athletes on the NFL roster last season, with an additional spot on the 17th practice squad roster reserved for international players.
This year's IPP class notably includes Jamaican Olympic discus champion Roggie Stona as well as Australian Rugby Union international Jordan Pitaya and Ulster player Aaron Sexton. UK is represented by former NFL Academy defensive tackle Dante Barnett and defensive lineman/linebacker Mabalo “Maz” Mwansa.
What's next?
It's the NFL Conference Championship on Sunday, January 26 – live Sky Sports NFL – With the Philadelphia Eagles first hosting the Washington Commanders in the NFC title game from 8 p.m., then the Chiefs take on the Bills from 11:30 p.m.
Super Bowl LIX will be held on Sunday, February 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Live on Sky Sports NFL.
