Louis Rees-Zammit may be coming ‘home’ in every sense of the wordLouis Rees-Zammit could play his club and international rugby in Wales. (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)

Cardiff Rugby have reportedly emerged as surprise contenders to sign Louis Rees-Zammit ahead of his return to rugby. The former Wales international left rugby in January 2024 to become an NFL player but has returned after a season with Jacksonville Jaguars.

The former Gloucester Rugby winger did not play for Jaguars despite being part of their 17-player practice squad, and is now hoping to return to club and international rugby. He revealed to Sky Sports last week that he has received “loads of interest” since the announcement was made.

RugbyPass have reported that Cardiff, who are currently owned by the Welsh Rugby Union, are in the race to sign Rees-Zammit.

If he were to pen a deal at the Arms Park, it would be a substantial shot in the arm for the game going forward in Wales.

Rees-Zammit will no doubt be the subject of interest from across England and France, too. The 24-year-old’s stock has risen massively since his bombshell move, and his rugby ability coupled with commercial potential will make it an incredibly tough battle for his signature.

Cardiff have already signed Wales stars Ioan Lloyd and Taine Basham, and with an EPCR Challenge Cup group that includes Racing 92 and Ulster, firepower like Rees-Zammit’s could be very handy next season. The obvious caveat here is how Cardiff would finance such a deal, of course.

Because Rees-Zammit won’t be short of interest and he will surely be allowed to name his price. He is also understood to be a target of the new breakout R360 league, which is aiming to poach the world’s greatest players on huge contracts in a eight-franchise competition set to take place across the world in 2026.

According to the Daily Mail, Rees-Zammit will sign a 12-month contract with a club for the 2025/2026 season, and then join the R360 league.

R360, should it get off the ground, would take place in London, Tokyo, Dubai, Cape Town and Miami.

Some players could earn £740,000 a season, which will run from September to December 2026, with just eight games to begin with.

Bristol Bears are also reportedly interested in opening contract talks with the Welshman, according to The Telegraph, as they have space in the salary cap and need a winger for the new season.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Rees-Zammit provided clarity on his current situation.

“I mean, I obviously can’t name teams, but we’ve had a load of interest, which is unbelievable,” he said.

“You know, I’m very grateful for that. We’re still going through what the full plan is for me.

“Obviously the season starts pretty soon. So it’s about finding the right team for me in terms of location, in terms of how quick I’ve got to get into camp.

“All of these things are going to happen pretty sharpish, and because the season’s right around the corner, so all of these things are going to happen pretty sharpish.

“So me and my brother are going through negotiations and seeing teams interested, which is amazing. So we should find out in the next week or so.”