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10 things About Louis Rees-Zammit's Rugby Return To Bristol

10 things About Louis Rees-Zammit's Rugby Return To Bristol

Louis Rees-Zammit returns to Premiership Rugby with Bristol Bears after NFL stint. Here’s what to know about his career, future and Welsh World Cup hopes.

Sep 24, 2025 by Joe Harrington
10 things About Louis Rees-Zammit's Rugby Return To Bristol

Louis Rees-Zammit is back in rugby. 

After 18 months chasing an NFL dream, the 24-year-old Welsh winger signed with Bristol Bears, marking one of the most anticipated returns in Premiership Rugby this season. His decision closes a unique chapter in a young career that already includes British and Irish Lions honors, 30-plus Wales caps, and a reputation as one of the fastest finishers in the game.

For Bristol, the signing is a statement of ambition. The club, which won the EPCR Challenge Cup in 2020, has built a roster featuring Ellis Genge, Max Malins, Gabriel Ibitoye and Harry Randall. Adding Rees-Zammit brings international pedigree and star power to a back line designed to excite. His first match in a Bears jersey is scheduled for Sept. 28, 2025, against Leicester Tigers at Ashton Gate, kicking off at 3:30 p.m. local time (10:30 a.m. ET).

The move also strengthens Wales less than two years before the Rugby World Cup in 2027. Head coach Steve Tandy described himself as “over the moon” with the news, calling Rees-Zammit a player who can add pace, unpredictability and finishing ability to a side in transition.

Here are 10 things to know about Louis Rees-Zammit’s return — and how another Premiership Rugby season will spotlight one of the sport’s most marketable talents.

What Happened With Louis Rees-Zammit In The NFL

In January 2024, Rees-Zammit left rugby to join the NFL’s International Player Pathway program. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as a running back and returner, spending preseason with the eventual Super Bowl winners. 

Though he impressed with his speed, he did not make the final 53-man roster. He later joined the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad and was briefly elevated to the active roster in early 2025. By summer, he admitted he felt he was “wasting [his] talent” away from rugby, and he agreed to return home.

How Louis Rees-Zammit Can Help The Welsh National Team Before The 2027 Rugby World Cup

Before his NFL detour, Rees-Zammit earned 32 caps and scored 14 tries for Wales. Still only 24, he returns in his prime years, giving Wales a proven scorer ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia. 

With new leadership under Steve Tandy and a developing squad, Rees-Zammit’s pace offers a finishing touch that could be decisive. His ability to cover both wing and fullback adds depth to the back line. For a side in rebuild mode, his return is a timely boost.

What Louis Rees-Zammit Brings To The Bristol Bears

Bristol head coach Pat Lam called Rees-Zammit a “world-class player” upon his signing. The Bears believe his attacking style suits their expansive approach, pairing well with Malins, Ibitoye and Randall. His Premiership record speaks volumes — 42 tries in 77 matches for Gloucester before heading to the NFL. 

With Ashton Gate hosting high-profile matches this season, including a December clash against Newcastle and a May showdown with Bath, Rees-Zammit’s presence gives Bristol both firepower and star attraction.

Other Rugby Stars Who Tried The NFL

Rees-Zammit follows a line of rugby players who explored American football. England winger Christian Wade joined the Buffalo Bills in 2019 and scored a 65-yard touchdown in preseason, but never made a regular-season appearance. USA international Hayden Smith signed with the New York Jets as a tight end before returning to Saracens. 

Kenya’s Daniel Adongo played linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts but soon left the sport. Others, like Alex Gray and Christian Scotland-Williamson, spent years on NFL practice squads without breaking through. All eventually returned to rugby, reinforcing just how steep the learning curve can be.

Netflix Spotlight: Six Nations Full Contact

Rees-Zammit was featured in the first season of Netflix’s Six Nations: Full Contact, released in 2024. The documentary highlighted his pace and personality during Wales’ campaign, boosting his visibility among sports fans outside traditional rugby circles.

Who Is Louis Rees-Zammit’s Grandfather?

Rees-Zammit’s heritage stretches beyond Wales. His late grandfather, Joseph Zammit, emigrated from Malta before settling in Britain. Rees-Zammit often referenced “Grampy Joe” as an influence, and his Maltese connection is reflected in his older brother’s decision to represent Malta at the international level. That dual heritage gives Rees-Zammit a cultural story unique among top rugby players.

7 More Facts About Louis Rees-Zammit

  • He became Gloucester’s youngest-ever Premiership debutant when he first broke through.
  • He was called up to the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour at just 20 years old.
  • His top speed has been clocked at more than 24 miles per hour.
  • He was the youngest player in the 2020 Six Nations Championship.
  • He grew up in Cardiff and is a lifelong supporter of Cardiff City football club.
  • He is among rugby’s most marketable stars, signing endorsement deals with major brands.
  • Before leaving for the NFL, he was ranked among FloRugby’s Top 100 players and returned to the rankings in 2025

A Big Get For Bristol And PREM Rugby

Louis Rees-Zammit’s return marks one of the most significant moves of the PREM Rugby season. For Bristol, it’s a statement signing. For Wales, it’s a timely boost before 2027. For fans, it’s another chance to watch one of rugby’s most exciting talents in full flight.

European Union Rugby Lives On FloSports And FloRugby

Rugby fans can stream every match from the Top 14, Gallagher Premiership, and United Rugby Championship on FloRugby, along with the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, making the platform the U.S. home for the world’s biggest club competitions and the game’s top players

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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