Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit has made headlines after leaving the NFL to return to rugby with Bristol Bears, together with his girlfriend Drew Knotts shifting too.
Drew Knotts and Louis Rees-Zammit collectively. (Picture: Instagram / drewknotts)
It has been a monumental yr for rugby. A British and Irish Lions collection, a Ladies’s World Cup and a wealth of elite Take a look at matches. Nonetheless, with regards to people, you’d battle to seek out anybody who’s skilled extra of a turbulent yr than Welsh rugby sensation Louis Rees-Zammit.
Simply 12 months in the past, Rees-Zammit was in the course of an NFL marketing campaign with the Jacksonville Jaguars, trying to safe a spot of their 53-man squad from the 17-player observe roster. But, that chance by no means materialised, and Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson was dismissed, throwing Rees-Zammit’s American soccer prospects into even higher doubt as he completed the marketing campaign with out that includes in a regular-season match.
While optimism continued for Rees-Zammit’s American ambitions, his path took a unprecedented twist in August as he revealed he was abandoning the NFL and returning to rugby.
“I’ve acquired an thrilling announcement to make! I’ve determined to depart the NFL and return to rugby!” Rees-Zammit posted on Instagram. “It has been an excellent expertise however it is time to come house.
“I’ve determined that that is the most effective time to make this determination to offer myself time to get every part in place for subsequent season. There’s just one factor that is on my thoughts, that is coming again to rugby and doing what I do greatest. I am unable to clarify how excited I’m! ! There will be extra information to come back quickly however for now, see you quickly rugby followers.”
Within the days following this announcement, hypothesis swirled relating to which membership would safe the providers of the Welsh wing. Groups from all through England and France had been reportedly wanting to seize his signature, but it surely emerged on August 14 that the Penarth native can be linking up with West Nation aspect Bristol Bears.
“Bristol Bears was the plain selection for me. The model of rugby the staff play – all about entertaining the followers and rising the sport – completely aligns to how I wish to play and the way I specific myself on and off the sphere,” he declared upon placing pen to paper.
“I wish to get followers out of their seats, create thrilling moments and assist folks fall within the love with the sport. I am excited to return to rugby at a membership that calls for these values. I am trying ahead to working with my teammates, Pat Lam and the coaches and all of the backroom staff to deliver success to the Bears.”
He would additionally disclose that his influencer girlfriend, Drew Knotts, can be relocating from Florida to Wales in a major way of life shift. “I took her to the Wales v Eire sport for the Six Nations,” the winger defined when discussing Knotts in August.
Louis Rees-Zammit’s had a loopy 12 months in sport. (Picture: Getty Photos)
“She actually loved it. She does not have a clue what rugby is! When she noticed that sort of setting, she actually needed to observe me play rugby.
“It is one thing I can provide her now, I can permit her to study rugby, she’ll study quite a bit from my household, the principles and the group. She’s actually trying ahead to it. It is going to be an enormous change for her.
“She’s shifting completely. Relying on visas and stuff, there’s quite a bit to do with getting over to America and vice versa. I skilled that first-hand. However she’s clearly doing the other to what I did. I went over there, lived there.
“However now she’s coming again and residing in Wales. So, from Florida to Wales! Properly, relying on visas and stuff, there’s quite a bit to do with getting over to America and vice versa.
“I skilled that first hand. However she’s clearly doing the other to what I did. I went over there, lived there, however now she’s coming again and residing in Wales. (The climate’s the identical) – that is what I stated to her, don’t be concerned about it!”
Rees-Zammit exploded again onto the scene, adapting to PREM rugby with exceptional ease. Nonetheless, his first begin again in opposition to Gloucester wasn’t with out controversy.
In the course of the PREM Rugby Cup conflict, he discovered the scoresheet, turned embroiled in a scuffle and obtained his marching orders in opposition to his former membership. He clashed with fellow Welshman Caio Jones, with the duo exchanging heated phrases as they departed the pitch.
Rees-Zammit would subsequently reveal the fact behind the altercation on The Rugby Pod. He defined: “The explanation why I used to be speaking to him after, once we had been strolling off, is as a result of I heard his Welsh accent!
“Earlier than that, I did not know he was Welsh. So, that is after I heard his accent and I used to be like: ‘Oh yeah! Okay!'”
Tennis information, scores and match outcomes plus chosen gives and competitions Subscribe Invalid electronic mail
We use your sign-up to offer content material in methods you’ve got consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This may occasionally embrace adverts from us and third events based mostly on our understanding. You may unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
Rees-Zammit then turned out for Wales throughout the autumn internationals, making his triumphant return in opposition to Argentina in Cardiff instead. Regardless of a forgettable autumn for Wales, the main target now shifts to the Six Nations, with Rees-Zammit aiming to dazzle on the worldwide stage as soon as once more in 2026.
Keep up-to-date with the most recent rugby information Be a part of us on WhatsApp
Our group members are handled to particular gives, promotions, and adverts from us and our companions. You may take a look at at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
Leave a Reply