Louis Rees-Zammit says he is returning to rugby union “bigger and faster” than ever before as the world class winger begins his next chapter with Bristol Bears.
Bears announced the signing of the Welsh international star with immediate effect after his 18-month adventure in the NFL with Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars.
The 24-year-old speedster left rugby union in January 2024 to pursue a career in American football, but he arrives in Bear Country with 14 tries in 32 Tests for Wales having also toured with the British & Irish Lions on the 2021 Tour of South Africa.
And Rees-Zammit said his decision to join Pat Lam’s side was an obvious choice following his NFL stint as the Bears’ style of rugby perfectly complements his speed and attacking instincts.
“I think the way they play the game is the way I see myself in that team, the attacking play is amazingly structured, and I think I can thrive off,” Rees-Zammit said.
“My previous rugby skills and my ability to use my speed within the game is going to suit me to a tee and speaking to the coaches and with Pat, as many touches I can get on the ball is going to help and hopefully, I can help the team in many ways.
“I’ve learnt a lot [from the NFL], not just on the field but off the field. My size has got a lot bigger, my speed is a lot faster and just learning about myself and about my body, that’s been one of the biggest things over the last 18 months and I’m raring to go.
“I’m looking forward to getting back into training, getting back to full fitness and showing what I can do.”
It was not just The Bears Way that appealed to Rees-Zammit as the club’s passionate fanbase was also one of the main contributing factors to him putting pen to paper.
“It’s been a whirlwind week but a very exciting one,” he continued.
“I’m very happy to be here and excited to get stuck into things again. I know Bears have a brilliant fanbase as well so that was one of the big reasons for me joining this massive club. Of course the players are exceptional and the coaches as well, so I’m raring to go.”
Rees-Zammit scored 42 tries in 77 appearances for Gloucester Rugby before making his move across the pond in 2024 but while expectations will be high for his return to PREM Rugby, the Welshman said his primary focus is on creating tries and helping the Bears win.
“It’s just about being confident, being confident in my ability to change games and having an effect on the defence,” he said.
“When I meet my teammates, it will be about getting involved with them and getting my hands on the ball as much as possible and create as many things as I can to help the team win. That’s ultimately all that matters and that’s my goal to help the team win.
“I pride myself in that ability to find space, not just with my footwork but with my speed as well. Whenever I see a one-on-one, I’ve done so much analysis on the opponent that usually there’s space in the backfield when the 15 is closing. I can go back to my basics, what I train every day, and that chip and chase is one of my trademark abilities.”
With his electrifying speed and proven finishing skills, Rees-Zammit promises a fresh injection of pace, power and precision into Bears’ already dangerous backline.
“It’s very exciting, you can tell from the smile on my face,” he added.
“I watched all the Bristol games back from last year and the back three is very threatening, the centre partnership and the ability to play the ball out wide from the half-backs as well. I’m very excited to join this team and it’s got so many special players that can create something out of nothing, and I just want to add to that.”
