Latest news with #Rees-Zammit
Wales Online
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Louis Rees-Zammit puts deadline on NFL dream as he plans return to rugby
Louis Rees-Zammit puts deadline on NFL dream as he plans return to rugby The former Wales rugby star faces a critical summer but believes he can return to rugby and excel once again Louis Rees-Zammit of Wales (Image: 2023 World Rugby ) Louis Rees-Zammit has admitted the clock is ticking on his NFL career as he revealed he plans to return to the highest level of rugby if the next year doesn't work out. The Welshman faces a crucial summer in his American Football journey as he bids to make the 53-man roster at Jacksonville Jaguars after spending last year on the practice squad. He has now put a deadline on his NFL chances, admitting this year will likely make or break his dreams. He will spend the summer trying to impress in pre-season training and matches but knows if he gets cut by the Jaguars, as he was by Kansas City Chiefs, it could all be over. And, for the first time, he has talked in detail about his plan to return to rugby in the next couple of years if things don't work out. He told talkSport: "International (NFL) players get probably two to three years to make it in the NFL. "I was 22 when I left. So I wanted to do it at a time where I maybe could come back to rugby. "I'm 24 now, probably got one year, or one to two more years to try and make it, depending on how this year goes. I'll be 25, 26 going back to rugby. I like to think I can still play at the highest level." Article continues below Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Louis Rees-Zammit in training on June 12 (Image: ©Icon Sportswire ) Rees-Zammit, who is in the UK to promote the Jaguars' games in the London later this year, has previously declined to contemplate his NFL mission ending, but knows time is running out as he faces a decisive summer. The former winger is currently a designated International Player Pathway player on the Jags' books and faces three potential outcomes at the end of this summer. He will either make the 53-man roster for next season, meaning his NFL career can really take off, or he could remain a practice squad player for the season as he continues to develop and hope for a breakthrough. The third option could see him cut by the Florida outfit. While he could then be signed up by another team, that scenario is perhaps unlikely and could herald his return to rugby. When he does return, he believes he will come back a better player. "I've learnt so many different movements that I never even thought about in rugby," Rees-Zammit said. "The way you train is so much different, but I think that would help me massively. "When I was playing rugby, I went to America twice to train and the things I learned there I knew straight away would help my game. "Now, having two years of it, I think if I did have to go back I'll definitely be able to excel again." Rees-Zammit hopes to prove himself during the Jaguars' pre-season schedule, which begins on August 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Article continues below They then play the New Orleans Saints and the Miami Dolphins later in August before the final call is made on the 53-man squad on August 26.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Rees-Zammit makes bold summer call and star says being in Wales was 'pretty tough'
Today's rugby news as Rees-Zammit makes bold summer call and star says being in Wales was 'pretty tough' The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world Former Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit (Image: Sky Sports ) Here are your rugby headlines for Tuesday, June 17. Rees-Zammit: Lions will win Test series 3-0 Louis Rees-Zammit believes the British & Irish Lions will trounce Australia 3-0 in the Test series this summer. The former Wales wing, who went on the Covid-hit 2021 tour to South Africa, believes the calibre of the Lions players will be too much for the Wallabies and they will comfortably overpower their opposition. Rees-Zammit admitted during an interview with Sky Sports that he misses playing rugby for Wales and would doubtless have been a contender for this summer's tour had he not quit the sport for a shot at the NFL last year. But, speaking four years on from his Lions experience, the Jacksonville Jaguars player predicted: "I personally think they will 3-0 them. But I know Australia in Australia will be tough, but I think there's enough talent in that Lions squad that it will be too much for Australia. "But we will see. I think there will be some great Tests." There are only two Welshmen on this summer's tour to Australia, Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams. And Rees-Zammit believes Morgan has got a real shot at starting the Test matches, although his fellow '21 tourist, Tom Curry, will provide stern competition for him. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Article continues below "The likes of Jac Morgan has got a chance," he said when asked who he thought would be in Andy Farrell's Test team. "Tom Curry, I was with him in 2021 and I think he has got a really good shot to start. "Then you've got someone like Tommy Freeman who has had an amazing year for Northampton and England, he will be a great threat on the wing. It's a strong team, everyone is going to be great additions this year. I'm excited to see how they do in Australia. "Because of the tour in 2021, me, Tom Curry and Marcus Smith were like the younger group on that tour, we had a great bond so I will definitely be wishing those boys luck. "Tomos Williams is my former team-mate and he has had an amazing year. And Jac Morgan as well. I'm really looking forward to seeing how those boys will thrive in Australia." Williams: Being in Wales was pretty tough Lions scrum-half Tomos Williams says the last couple of years has been "pretty tough" on the international front. Williams is just one of two Welshmen in the Lions squad for this summer's tour - and indication of how difficult things have been at Test level for Wales over the past two seasons. Williams' form for club side Gloucester has remained constant though and his inclusion in Andy Farrell's touring party is well deserved, despite Wales' woes. "Being in Wales was pretty tough, especially over the last couple of years playing internationally," said Williams. "I think the move to Gloucester helped me a lot and given me a break from the international rugby as well and it is nice to go back there. "The way we played suited me and I have got a lot to thank Gloucester for." Williams added that he hoped to do his country proud Down Under, alongside Morgan. "I try not to put too much pressure on myself, but it is just me and Jac [from Wales]," added Williams. "I don't want to speak for him but we are so hugely proud. "It is such an honour to represent your country and the Lions and hopefully we can do them proud." Sexton quizzed on Lions squad make-up Johnny Sexton says he wasn't surprised by the record number of Irish players selected for the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour — and believes head coach Andy Farrell's decisions are fully justified. Farrell, who has also led Ireland since 2019, initially named 15 Irish players in his 38-man squad for the 2025 tour of Australia, with Connacht prop Finlay Bealham added last week following Zander Fagerson's withdrawal through injury. Among the Ireland contingent are 12 Leinster players, three from Connacht, and one from Munster, making up a significant portion of the squad. While some have questioned the imbalance, Sexton pointed to Ireland's recent track record as ample justification. 'Ireland have done pretty well over the last few years — winning the [Six Nations] championship last year, the Grand Slam the year before,' said Sexton, now a kicking coach on Farrell's Lions staff, according to the BBC. He suggested that selection decisions often take a long-term view. 'With some players, coaches look at form over eight or nine years. It's not just about playing well in one or two games during the Six Nations — sometimes you take a broader perspective.' Sexton also highlighted how familiarity with Farrell's coaching methods could have played a role. 'They know the way Andy coaches, they understand the system. It didn't surprise me. Historically, when a Welsh coach was in charge and Wales were doing well, the squad had a Welsh majority,' he added. 'I think it's the same here — the teams that performed best in the Six Nations got selected.' While some observers have raised concerns about perceived national bias, Sexton was philosophical. 'Everyone has their own opinion — that's the beauty of sport,' he said. 'You can go through the players and ask, 'Who exactly are you leaving out?' From what I've seen over the last three or four years, these players have performed consistently.' He also noted the strength of Ireland's performance against England in this year's Six Nations opener as an example of their high standards. Reflecting on the selection process, Sexton praised Farrell for his diligence and fairness. 'I've never seen such a thorough process. Every combination, every player was discussed in detail,' he said. 'Andy did all those players justice — he did the work, asked the right questions, and picked the squad he believes gives the best chance of winning the tour.' S4C land Lions TV coverage S4C will broadcast live free-to-air coverage of the opening match of the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, marking a historic first in partnership with Irish broadcaster TG4, it has been announced. The two public service broadcasters will collaborate to bring fans the Lions' first-ever fixture in Ireland — a clash against Rugby World Cup semi-finalists Argentina at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Friday. S4C's coverage will be fronted by Sarra Elgan, joined by former Lions and Wales internationals Ken Owens, Jamie Roberts and Mike Phillips, who will provide expert insight and analysis across the channel's platforms. In addition to the opening fixture, S4C will also offer same-day highlights of every game throughout the tour, bringing key moments and expert reaction to viewers each evening. While Sky Sports retains exclusive live rights for the full tour, this new free-to-air partnership offers fans free access across the UK and Ireland. A post-match vodcast will also be available after each game in Australia on S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer, and S4C's YouTube channel, hosted by Elgan and the pundit team, offering in-depth reaction, discussion, and behind-the-scenes content. S4C's head of sport, Sue Butler, added: 'We're delighted to bring free-to-air live coverage of the Lions' opening match to audiences in Wales and across the UK. This historic fixture in Dublin is a fitting way to begin what promises to be an exciting summer of rugby on S4C.' S4C will also broadcast the second Test of Wales' tour of Japan on 12 July. Welsh and English commentary will be available for the Lions v Argentina fixture, with Welsh commentary also available on all highlights programming. Former Llanelli captain dies The Scarlets have announced the passing of former Llanelli captain Aubrey Gale. Article continues below The former forward, who notched up almost 200 games for the West Walian outfit, has passed away at the age of 89. "We are saddened to hear that former Llanelli captain Aubrey Gale has passed away at the age of 89," the Scarlets wrote in a statement. "Aubrey played close to 200 matches for the club between 1956 and 1964, leading the side for the 1961-62 season. "A versatile forward, who played in the back row, second row and front row, he appeared against the touring South African, Australian and New Zealand sides during his career. "The thoughts of everyone at the Scarlets are with Aubrey's family and friends at this sad time." The Scarlets' supporters' X account added: "Sad news…Aubrey was our oldest living Scarlets captain until his passing. Our thoughts and condolences go to his family & friends."
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Louis Rees-Zammit makes Wales rugby admission in live TV interview as he returns to UK
Louis Rees-Zammit makes Wales rugby admission in live TV interview as he returns to UK The Jacksonville Jaguars player gave an interview to Sky Sports about his NFL career and whether he would return to rugby Louis Rees-Zammit enters the Sky studios in west London (Image: Instagram/Louis Rees-Zammit ) Louis Rees-Zammit admits he misses playing rugby for Wales and has left the door ajar for a possible return to the sport in the future. The Welsh NFL prospect has re-signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of the 2025/26 season, following his first full campaign in the sport. The Jaguars are set to return to London for a regular-season fixture, alongside the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns. In the build-up to the event, Rees-Zammit has travelled back to the UK to help promote his team's Family Fun Day at Ealing Trailfinders rugby club this Saturday. Rees-Zammit was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs last season before being snapped up by the Florida-based outfit. He did, however, remain on the training squad and did not make the 53-man playing roster. It looks set to be a gruelling few months ahead for the 24-year-old as he bids to make the active squad for next season. "It's been a whirlwind year and a half, two years now. I haven't had time to really look back on it," he told Sky Sports. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. "I'm still trying to make it in Jacksonville and treating every day the same, working as hard as I can and try to be a great team-mate and learn from them. They've been playing the sport for years and years and I'm just coming into it. "We have just had a 10-week camp we finished last weekend. It's been very intense, learning a new playbook - it's my third playbook in the last year. Article continues below "I am really looking forward to the future. We have a month off now before training camp starts and the pre-season games, where I am going to try and put my best foot forward and make the 53." Since the former rugby wing's departure from the sport for a new jaunt in America, Wales' fortunes on the field have been dire. Wales have lost a record-breaking 17 Test matches in a row and Rees-Zammit admits it's been painful watching from afar. Nevertheless, a proud Welshman, he admits he misses pulling on the red jersey. "I obviously miss playing for my country. I have got to get a balance, a little bit," he said of playing rugby for Wales. "I'm obviously loving life over in America, but my country is always going to be my country, so when I was able to play for Wales it was a dream come true." And what about a possible return to rugby in the future? "You never know in life, do you? Anything can happen," he said. "I'm still young, which is a good thing, I'm only 24, so I have got time on my side. So we will see what happens." For now, at least, with Rees-Zammit laser-focussed on getting into the Jaguars' active playing roster, Wales are going to have to end the winning drought without him, with a two-Test tour of Japan next up. "I think this is going to be a great, fresh start for them, playing in Japan under Matt Sherratt," he added. Article continues below "There are two players who have gone to the Lions from Wales, so they have got a good bulk of players who will come through to play in the next few years. "I think it will be a great tour for them and fingers crossed I'm hoping they'll win."
Wales Online
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Louis Rees-Zammit's new influencer girlfriend has a famous ex and sporting past
Louis Rees-Zammit's new influencer girlfriend has a famous ex and sporting past The couple have been sharing pictures since February, with a new love blossoming. Louis Rees-Zammit's girlfriend is a talented footballer. (Image: drewknotts on Instagram ) Louis Rees-Zammit is back in America ahead of the new season, and is loved up with new girlfriend Drew Knotts. The former Wales rugby star spent the off-season back in the United Kingdom with family and friends following his first full season in the NFL. A Jacksonville Jaguars player, Rees-Zammit was part of the 17-player practice squad as their designated International Player Pathway player, but did not get elevated to the main roster to play at any point during the 2024/2025 season. However, he's aiming to get his opportunity this year having re-signed with the franchise. During the off-season, as well as spending time back in the UK, Rees-Zammit visited Thailand with his brother Taylor, and also went public on his relationship with Knotts. The couple have shared photos and videos on holiday in the Dubai desert, taking part in sand-boarding and enjoying an evening meal. More recently they have been pictured at the Strawberry Ball in Plant City, Florida, as well as various other social events. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. So, who is Drew Knotts? She is 26-year-old social media influencer from Plant City, Florida - where Rees-Zammit plays his American football. She shot to fame online when it was revealed she was dating internet celebrity Tayler Holder. In 2023 it was reported that she was working as a sales development representative for a consumer analytics company called Buxton, but since then, her Instagram following has doubled and it seems her attentions have now been drawn to creating social media content. Article continues below Content cannot be displayed without consent Sporting background Knotts is an accomplished footballer, and has been involved in sport since the age of four. According to the Plant City Observer, she tried her hand at basketball, flag football, gymnastics, tennis, soccer, softball and swimming before settling on football, and always had a passion for running. Despite being made fun of in school for "having a boy name", she grew a reputation for being incredibly speedy, and faster than most of the boys, too. She played at a good level for a number of years as a young child and teen, trying out her hand with Plant City Lancers and Brandon Flames before being selected to play for Elite Clubs National League U14s (which is one of two in Florida). She went on to play for Plant City High School, with whom she scored 10 goals - being the only non-senior player to pull this off. Knotts succeeded further in High School, receiving the Swope Rodante Vanguard Student Athlete Award in December 2016 and winning player of the game six times. Content cannot be displayed without consent Due to injury, when she started at Georgia Southern University in 2017, she did not play any football. She transferred to Southern Mississippi University and played there before graduating in 2021 with a degree in Hospitality Administration and Management. This was the last time she played football competitively. Her brother is also a sportsman, and plays American football for Texas Tech University. Beauty career Alongside her sporting exploits, Knotts has been involved in pageants from a young age. She told the Plant City Observer as a 15-year-old that one thing she liked about the long dresses at pageant competitions was the length of them, and this was because it hid her bruises from playing football. She played many of her football games alongside pageant shows, balancing two of her favourite hobbies. Eleven years ago she was crowned Junior Royalty Pageant in the same season she banged in 10 goals for her high school. Competing in beauty certainly runs in the family, with grandmother Ruby Jean Redman being crowned Florida Strawberry Festival Queen in 1953, with cousin Chelsea Bowden picking up the same award in 2012. "My grandmother has a hallway full of old pictures of my mom and her sisters from when they were growing up," Knotts told the Plant City Observer. "And her Strawberry Queen photos are on the wall. It's so cool because she was in the same pageant. Every time we see it, we ask her about it. She's been able to tell us all these stories from how it changed over time." She suffered a serious knee injury playing football on her 18th birthday in 2016, which required surgery. It threatened the prospect of her competing in the upcoming pageant. "Three weeks before the pageant I was on crutches," she explained. "I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to compete. But I set goals, we got into physical therapy and I worked really hard." However, she fought back to full fitness and managed to compete and won the competition. Content cannot be displayed without consent While she does not take part in any similar competitions right now, she has a big presence on social media, with her style and following online having earned her brand deals and sponsorships, and she models clothes for various brands. For example, last year, she teamed up with Kickstand Cocktails for a collaborative Instagram post. She has almost 30,000 followers on Instagram and regularly posts about her lifestyle and adventures. She has a TikTok account which has a large following but that has not been active lately. Famous ex-boyfriend Knotts shot to fame when it was revealed she was dating internet star Tayler Holder. Their relationship became public in 2023, with Knotts appearing in multiple TikTok videos with Holder, who is also a musician. Holder gets over half a million listeners on Spotify per month, with his top two tracks having around 10 million listens. Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below Holder's genre of music is country, which is of course hugely relevant in pop culture right now, and has picked up Male Artist of the Year and Artist of the Year from Up N Country. He has almost 20 million TikTok followers and is therefore the most followed country music star on the app. He also has a stunning 1.2 billion likes in total on his videos. Holder and Knotts announced their breakup in January 2024, meaning that she had been single for almost a year before linking up with Rees-Zammit.
Wales Online
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Louis Rees-Zammit catches cocktail can while water-skiing as Welshman lives dream with new partner
Louis Rees-Zammit catches cocktail can while water-skiing as Welshman lives dream with new partner The Welshman is back in the USA and is hoping to enjoy a breakthrough season with the Jacksonville Jaguars Louis Rees-Zammit soaks up the sun while water-skiing in Florida (Image: Instagram ) Louis Rees-Zammit is back in Florida and already making the most of both the Jacksonville Jaguars' pre-season and the Sunshine State's lifestyle. The Welshman, who swapped rugby union for a shot at the NFL, has returned to the United States after spending several months back home in the UK with friends and family. Now fully focused on the upcoming NFL season, Rees-Zammit has joined his Jaguars teammates for pre-season training. But away from the practice field, the 23-year-old has also been enjoying some downtime, posting videos of himself water-skiing and soaking up the Florida sunshine. In one social media clip, the former rugby star showcased his balance and coordination in style. As he skied across the water, a friend tossed him a canned drink. Rees-Zammit caught it mid-air, took a swig, and continued skiing. Not long after sipping the drink, however, the former Wales rugby star stacks it into the water. He posted another photo on his social media account with his brother, Taylor, fellow IPP graduate and former Jaguars player Patrick Murtagh and Travis Clayton, an English offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills. Rees-Zammit's new girlfriend, Drew Knotts, posted her own photos on the boat on social media. The group were at New Smyrna Beach, a Florida city south of Daytona Beach. Rees-Zammit shared Knotts' photo of the cocktail cans to his own Instagram account, with the pair sharing cans of 'Surfside' cocktails. The pair's relationship was confirmed last month, which you can read more about here. Article continues below Louis Rees-Zammit's girlfriend, Drew Knotts, posted a photo on the boat drinking a can (Image: Instagram ) While the off-field fun grabbed fans' attention online, Rees-Zammit has also been back in the thick of things at training. Recent footage released by the Jaguars shows him catching passes from starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence as the squad ramps up preparations at the Miller Electric Center. Rees-Zammit had previously taken part in the team's voluntary off-season workouts in April, signalling his ongoing commitment to making it in the NFL after a steep learning curve during his first year. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. On Thursday, the Jaguars released their pre-season schedule, outlining three games in August against the Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, and Miami Dolphins. These fixtures represent a major opportunity for Rees-Zammit to prove himself in competitive action. Last year, the Welsh speedster briefly joined the Kansas City Chiefs and featured in their pre-season games, gaining valuable experience at elite level despite being released before the regular season. He later signed with the Jaguars as part of their practice squad, where he remained for the rest of the 2023/24 campaign. While he was eligible to be promoted to the main roster, that opportunity never came. With the Jaguars enduring a disappointing season, the squad was overhauled at its conclusion. Rees-Zammit was briefly released but was re-signed shortly after, this time to the active roster — a promising step in his NFL journey. However, in late April, the Jaguars reclassified him as an International Player Pathway (IPP) athlete. This designation gives international players a unique path into the league but also places certain limitations on their eligibility and opportunities. Rees-Zammit now faces added competition. The Jaguars have recently signed two undrafted wide receivers — the same position he's working to master — adding to the crowded room of around 90 players currently on the roster. By the end of August, that number will be slashed to 53 players on the active roster and 17 on the practice squad. One of those practice squad spots is reserved for an IPP player — the route Rees-Zammit is currently aligned with. He was previously competing with fellow IPP athlete Patrick Murtagh for that international slot, but Murtagh was cut by the Jaguars last week, likely clearing the way for Rees-Zammit to reclaim the role. NFL analyst and former player Phoebe Schecter told WalesOnline earlier this year that the IPP designation is only available for a maximum of two years. If Rees-Zammit takes that spot again this season, 2025/26 would be his final year of IPP eligibility. Article continues below That means time is ticking for the Welshman to establish himself as a regular NFL player. If not promoted beyond the IPP designation this season or next, he will need to compete for a standard roster spot like any other domestic player. For now, though, Rees-Zammit appears focused, determined, and enjoying the ride — both on the field and out on the water.
