Former Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit has the world at his feet after signing to the same NFL team as Taylor Swift’s boyfriend.
The ex-rugby star will be joining Swift’s Super Bowl-winning beau, Travis Kelce, on the Kansas City Chiefs after signing a reported $884,000 contract with the club – a far cry from his tight-knit family upbringing in Cardiff, Wales.
The 23-year-old has also managed to bag a spot in Jay-Z’s Roc Nation sports agency after they opened their international office in the UK last month.
Roc Nation already boasts a star-studded roster, representing the likes of as Kevin De Bruyne, Reece James, and Romelu.
But as his career goes from strength to strength after ditching the rugby pitch for American football, the same can’t be said for his romance with Strictly Come Dancing star Saffron Barker which has ended after only four months.
Former Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit has the world at his feet after signing a reported $884,000 contract with Kansas City Chiefs
The Welshman will be joining Taylor Swift’s Super Bowl-winning beau on the American football team
The Welsh youngster has also managed to bag a deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation sports agency alongside famous footballers such as Kevin De Bruyne , Reece James and Romelu
However his promising sports career has spelt disaster for his romance with Saffron Barker as the pair split only four months after announcing their romance
The NFL franchise confirmed ‘Rees-Lightning’ via a social media announcement on Friday afternoon.
Confirming the former British and Irish Lions youngster arrival, the NFL team said he would be wearing the No.9 Jersey and will be playing a running back position.
‘Hey Chiefs Kingdom, Louis Rees-Zammit here. Just signed, can’t wait to go and see you all at Arrowhead,’ Rees-Zammit said in a short clip on the Chiefs’ social media.
The exact details of Rees-Zammit’s contract have not been revealed, however an NFL insider believes the ex-Wales player has signed a three-year deal worth $884,000.
Rees-Zammit joins the Kansas City Chiefs after they bagged back-to-back Super Bowl wins, becoming the first team to do so in 20 years.
However it seems his journey across the pond put a strain on his relationship with YouTuber Saffron Barker as the pair split only four months after becoming official.
The YouTuber confirmed the duo had gone their separate ways last Thursday, despite previously hitting back at claims they’d ended their romance just weeks ago.
The update comes after eagle-eyed followers noticed that both Saffron and Louis had unfollowed each other on Instagram in recent weeks, amongst other clues that hinted at a break-up.
As speculation rose, a source close to the couple told that they were ‘very much together’ and focused on ‘navigating a long-distance relationship,’ after Louis kickstarted a new career in the NFL.
In an update to his Instagram Story this week, Saffron wrote: ‘I have so much exciting news to update you on, and I promise to keep you all posted on that.
Rees-Zammit signed a deal believed to be worth $884,000 for three years and will take the number nine jersey
Rees-Zammit shocked many when he announced that he was leaving the rugby world only weeks ahead of the Six Nations
The pair only went public with their romance at The Hunger Games world premiere in November
In an update to his Instagram Story last week, Saffron wrote: ‘I wanted to address some of the questions re my relationship… I am no longer in a relationship’
‘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. 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.
‘The community I’ve built on here for nearly 10 years (how amazing!) are always there for me. It feels so special to have your support & strength – so thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.
‘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, Saffron x’
Followers had previously spotted that she had deleted a photo of his initials tattooed on her arm and then liked a comment insinuating that he had cheated.
Although he may have experienced heartbreak, it is safe to say Zammit will continue to receive undying support from his tight-knit family.
His parents Maxine and Joe – who raised Zammit and his brother, Taylor in Cardiff, Wales – have not been shy in expressing their immense pride in Louis.
After the announcement Taylor, who went to all of his younger brother’s games for Llandaff RFC for three years in a row told Wales Online: ‘We’re all so proud.’
Previously discussing his unwavering support for his brother, Taylor told WalesOnline:
‘I probably haven’t missed a game he has played home and away in three years,’ he said.
‘When I was in Manchester University, I used to get the train down to Hartpury on a Wednesday morning, watch his game for the college and then get the train straight back up to Manchester.
Although his relationship may have come to an end, the ex-rugby star’s family will continue to support him unconditionally (pictured: Louis Rees-Zammit and his family)
‘To be honest, I don’t enjoy anything more. I couldn’t think of anything better than going to watch him. It’s not like a difficult decision for me, the same for our parents.
Zammit is also fulfilling his father’s dreams when he shocked the rugby world by deciding to join the NFL.
Zammit’s father, Joe, previously played for the American football squad – Cardiff Bay Tigers, later instilling a passion for the sport in his son.
‘As a little boy, my dad always brought me up to be a big NFL fan,’ Zammit told Roar.
‘He used to play American football, so it is kind of to try to continue his legacy and hopefully go beyond and make him proud. That is the sport he grew up loving.’