Louis Rees-Zammit reacts after. Ellis Mee had a try ruled out. (Image: Getty/ITV)
may have committed himself to another year in the NFL, but his behaviour at the Principality Stadium today shows his heart remains in Welsh rugby. The former winger in the Principality Stadium as went down to a thrilling 27-18 defeat to .
But despite a vastly improved display from the hosts, Matt Sherratt’s men were left ruing a crucial TMO call that went against them in the dying minutes.
A Welsh attack saw the ball worked out to debutant winger Ellis Mee wide on the left, and despite the attention of three covering defenders, he appeared to finish superbly in the corner.
Referee Christophe Ridley initially signalled a try, prompting a huge roar from the Cardiff crowd. But as Gareth Anscombe prepared for the conversion that could have put Wales ahead late on, Ridley consulted the TMO.
Initially, the officials checked to see if Mee had been out of play, but it appeared he had indeed grounded the ball a split second before his arm made contact with the touchline. But as pundits argued whether it should be given, a different replay angle also hinted at a minor knock-on as the ball went down.
Sure enough, with the crowd now able to hear a referee explain a TMO decision, Ridley delivered a verdict that sparked big jeers from those in red. “Initially, it’s grounded short, so he’s rolled it forward, and it’s a knock-on,” he said.
Louis Rees-Zammit was not a fan of that call ?????? |
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby)
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The reaction of Rees-Zammit said it all. He stood there open-mouthed before clearly shouting ‘What?’ as the referee awarded a defensive scrum to Ireland. The frustration got worse for the 24-year-old as Ireland then cleared their lines.
To compound matters, Sam Prendergast then landed a late penalty to put the visitors 27-18 up and end hopes of a remarkable Welsh win. But interim coach Matt Sherratt could at least reflect on a display that was volumes above the debacle in Italy earlier this month, .
Rees-Zammit was in Wales just days after to their active roster for 2025. That ended any speculation he was set for a quick return to rugby union after failing to earn a full-time NFL contract in his maiden season.
However, the man who scored 14 tries for Wales in 32 international games insisted that leaving America was never on his mind. “At the end of last season, I got sat down, and they (Jaguars) offered me a future contract, which was amazing,” he said.
“I haven’t really had any time off since the Rugby World Cup two years ago. So I kind of just wanted to take four weeks off and refresh my mind and body from everything and just kind of used that to clear and to make a decision on what I was doing.”