The unlikely training partners fueling Louis Rees-Zammit's NFL dream

Toby Coxon

The unlikely training partners fueling Louis Rees-Zammit's NFL dream image

Louis Rees-Zammit, the former Wales rugby sensation now chasing his NFL dream, is taking a unique approach to his pre-season preparations, linking up with some familiar faces from his past.

The dynamic winger has been training with former international rugby teammates, a strategic blend of his old sporting world with the demanding requirements of his new career.

Rees-Zammit, who famously switched from professional rugby union to American football earlier this year via the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) program, is currently a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

After spending last season on their practice squad, the Penarth-born hopeful is intensely focused on making the coveted 53-man active roster for the upcoming season, which kicks off in just a few short weeks.

To hone his skills and maintain peak physical condition, Rees-Zammit recently joined former Wales and British & Irish Lions teammates Gareth Anscombe and Liam Williams for a rigorous training session.

A story shared by Williams on Instagram showed Anscombe kicking a ball to Rees-Zammit on a rugby field, accompanied by the caption "Good running sesh with the boys."

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This reunion highlights the enduring bonds formed within the Welsh rugby setup and the collaborative spirit that transcends sporting codes.

With pre-season fixtures rapidly approaching, including the Jaguars' first summer game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 10, every training session is crucial for Rees-Zammit.

While he has previously alluded to the possibility of a future return to rugby, his immediate focus is firmly on making a significant mark in the NFL.

Training with familiar faces from his rugby days provides not only essential physical conditioning but also a vital mental boost as he navigates the demanding and competitive world of professional American football.

 

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Toby Coxon

Toby joined The Sporting News in 2025 after completing a degree in Multimedia Sports Journalism. He has previous experience writing for online and print publications including VAVEL, Breaking Media and The Non-League Paper. He also has experience working within football clubs in previous roles at Curzon Ashton FC and Bradford City AFC.