Welsh winger who left rugby union for a record-breaking NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs, having previously been one of Wales' most electrifying and dangerous attacking backs.
Louis Rees-Zammit is Wales's exciting young winger who became one of rugby's most talked-about talents before making the remarkable decision to leave rugby for an NFL career. His extraordinary pace, which makes him one of the fastest players in international rugby, combined with excellent footwork and finishing, produced a string of exceptional performances for Wales and the Gloucester club. Rees-Zammit left rugby in 2024 to pursue an NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars via the league's International Player Pathway programme, before announcing in July 2025 that he was returning to rugby union. He signed with Bristol Bears for the 2025-26 season and was recalled to the Wales squad for the 2026 Six Nations, starting at fullback against England in his first Test appearance in three years.
Becoming the youngest player to score a try on his Six Nations debut for Wales against Italy in 2020.
How They Played
Rees-Zammit was renowned for his blistering pace, regularly clocked as one of the fastest players in professional rugby. His finishing ability in the corner and capacity to beat defenders in one-on-one situations made him a constant attacking threat on the wing.
Lasting Impact
His transition from rugby union to the NFL highlighted the growing crossover between sports and demonstrated the transferable athletic skills between rugby and American football.
Career Honours
- Guinness Six Nations Championship 2021
- Guinness Six Nations Championship 2023
- Anglo-Welsh Cup 2019 (Gloucester Rugby)
- Premiership Rugby Player of the Month (multiple awards)
- PRO14 involvement with Gloucester
- Wales Senior International Cap debut 2021
- British & Irish Lions Tour 2021 (selected for tour to South Africa)
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glasgow Warriors | 2023–2024 | 8 | 14 | #11 |
| Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) | 2024–2024 | 155 | 14 | #11 |
| Gloucester Rugby | 2018–2024 | 78 | 32 | — |
 Wales | — | 14 | 5 | — |