Louis Rees-Zammit of Wales (Image: 2023 World Rugby)
Warren Gatland has expressed his willingness to welcome back Louis Rees-Zammit from the NFL with “open arms”, but has not yet made contact with the former Wales winger. Rees-Zammit is currently considering his options after his initial contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars expired, and the team has reportedly offered him a new deal.
However, recent developments have raised questions about Rees-Zammit’s future in the US. It has been a year since the 32-cap winger shocked Welsh rugby by deciding to pursue a career in American football.
Gatland admitted that he would be happy to have Rees-Zammit back, but doubts that the 23-year-old will give up on his dream just yet. “I think that’s a decision he’s made,” Gatland said at the Six Nations launch in Rome.
“We would love to have him back if he was available to us.
“We’re just waiting to see what happens. My understanding is that he has an offer to stay with Jacksonville. I don’t know about that. Whenever he wants to come back, he’d be more than welcome back in the fold.
“I haven’t spoken to him at the moment. He’s only been away for 12 months. It’s about seeing what happens in terms of what decisions are made in the US. He’d 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. There are a lot of stories about him out there. I continue to wish him all the best. I’d be more than happy to welcome him back with open arms.
“Just a different perspective on what a different sport does.
“He’s said himself things are brutal there, American sport is brutal. You get a text or a call to turn up with your stuff and: ‘See you later – you’re gone’. Players are traded – they get that call saying: ‘Sorry – you’ve been traded to another team’.
“There’s no discussion, no debate. From a growth point of view that will give him a different perspective. But look if he decided to come back we’d welcome him with open arms.
“The question for him is look is 12 months enough? He’s said this is his dream so does he do another year there getting into a squad or a training squad? I haven’t got enough experience or knowledge to comment on whether he’s good enough to play it. I just know that if he does decide to come back then there’ll be a spot for him.”