'World-class talent' Louis Rees-Zammit signs new long-term Bristol Bears contract to lock in future after return to rugby from the NFL
Updated 01/01/2026 at 11:14 GMT
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Bristol Bears have confirmed that star winger Louis Rees-Zammit has signed a new long-term contract with the club following his return from the NFL this summer. The 24-year-old player has eight appearances for the club already this season, and has scored six tries for his new team. Rees-Zammit spent 2024 attempting to break into NFL, with spells at Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars.
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Bristol Bears have confirmed that star winger Louis Rees-Zammit has signed a new long-term contract with the club.
Rees-Zammit returned to rugby from the NFL in the summer of 2025, joining the Bears, and he has now committed his future to the team.
The 24-year-old Wales international came back to rugby union last summer, and already has six tries in eight appearances so far with the Bears.
In March 2024, Rees-Zammit signed a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs and played in some pre-season matches. When he was cut from their roster, he then moved to Jacksonville Jaguars, before deciding on a return to rugby last year.
Rees-Zammit is capable of playing both on the wing and at full-back, and the Bears’ director of rugby, Pat Lam, welcomed his new long-term deal.
He said: "Louis is a world-class talent and someone who embodies the way we want to play at Bristol Bears.
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"Since coming back from the NFL, he’s shown incredible professionalism and hunger to keep improving. His speed, power and skill set are obvious, but what really stands out is his willingness to learn, adapt and deliver on the biggest stage.
"What’s exciting is that he’s only just scratching the surface of his ability – at just 24 years old, there’s so much more to come from him. If he keeps progressing on this journey, he has everything it takes to become one of the very best players in the world, and we’re delighted he’s committed his long-term future to the club."
Rees-Zammit added: "I’m incredibly happy to have committed my future to Bristol Bears. This is the perfect club for me, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve here.
"The environment here allows me to express myself and play the game the way I love, and that brings out the best in me. Running out at Ashton Gate in front of huge crowds and feeling that energy from the fans is special, and it makes me excited about what we can build together in the years ahead."
Rees-Zammit's side next play on Friday night, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, against Sale Sharks, at their home ground, Ashton Gate.
Bristol have made a strong start to the current season, with six wins from their opening eight matches. They are currently fourth in the table, four points behind league leaders Northampton.
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Rees-Zammit has 35 caps and 80 points for the Wales national side, and was also part of the British & Irish Lions tour in 2021.
He began his career with Gloucester, making his debut in 2018. He played 77 times for the team, scoring 210 points before deciding to try his hand at NFL.
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Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM, Quilter Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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