Louis Rees-Zammit makes announcement on future after 'very tough year'

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The former Wales rugby star is currently a free agent after being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who opted against offering him a reserve/future contract. Rees-Zammit initially joined the Kansas City Chiefs for pre-season training after walking away from rugby in 2024 to pursue a career in American football through the NFL's International Player Pathway.

However, the 24-year-old now finds himself weighing up his next steps, with the possibility of staying in Jacksonville or signing elsewhere still on the table.

Speaking to ITV during their coverage of Super Bowl LIX—where the Philadelphia Eagles cruised to a 40-22 victory over the Chiefs in New Orleans—Rees-Zammit admitted he was still exploring his options.

"Yeah, I'm looking for options," he said. "I think in the next week or so we'll make a decision on where I am next year. But this past year has been crazy. A crazy experience. Mentally and physically it's been tough, but it's a journey I've always wanted to be on, so I'm loving it."

If he fails to secure another NFL contract, a sensational return to rugby remains a real possibility. Wales have yet to win a match since he quit the sport last January, and his return would undoubtedly be a major boost to Warren Gatland's struggling side.

But it's not just his professional life making headlines. Rees-Zammit's personal life has also been a hot topic, featuring relationships with high-profile personalities, from a Premier League legend's daughter to a famous YouTuber and a notable model/DJ.

In December 2019, before his international debut for Wales, Rees-Zammit posted a photo of himself playing for Gloucester. Alicia Scholes, daughter of football legend Paul Scholes, humorously suggested an England debut was imminent, despite Rees-Zammit’s Welsh roots. He firmly replied, "Wales*".

In a BBC interview, Rees-Zammit spoke about his past relationship with Alicia, a professional netball player for London Pulse. He revealed the light-hearted attempts by her father to sway him towards England, which he steadfastly resisted.

Alicia and her father Paul found themselves in the spotlight in 2021 due to a viral video that led to playful banter among rival supporters.

Following his NFL trial day, Rees-Zammit ended his relationship with influencer Saffron Barker. The couple had gone public after the Rugby World Cup, but their relationship faced challenges with his move to the US.

Saffron addressed the breakup on social media, expressing gratitude for the support from her fans and hinting at a positive future.

She wrote to her fans: "Hi everyone. I have so much exciting news to update you on, and I promise to keep you all posted on that."

"For now though I wanted to address some of the questions re my relationship. Whilst I won't be going into any detail, I am no longer in a relationship. I am fully focused on my well-being, wonderful family, & career," she further commented. Saffron continued in the recent post:

"I want to thank all of the incredible people who have sent me messages of love & strength over the past few weeks. I have read every single one & I can't tell you how much it has meant to me."

Saffron - who has more than two million subscribers on her YouTube channel - concluded by writing: "I know good things come to good people so I hold onto the hope that 2024 is going to be a positive year for me. Lots of love."

Recently single, Rees-Zammit has been spotted with Sports Illustrated model and TikTok sensation Xandra Pohl. The pair were seen enjoying a day out at Worlds of Fun amusement park in Kansas City, sparking rumors of a new romance.

Xandra, a successful DJ who has played at high-profile venues including Ushuaia Ibiza, is set to perform at Lollapalooza in Chicago this summer.

Alongside his new relationship, Rees-Zammit has also been embracing the Kansas City lifestyle, attending Travis Kelce's 'Kelce Jam' festival and sporting a new ear piercing.

As Louis Rees-Zammit continues to make waves both on and off the field, his journey in the NFL is one to watch closely.