Bristol Bears are close to securing the signing of Louis Rees-Zammit in time for the start of the new Gallagher Premiership season which begins next month.
Rees-Zammit’s return to rugby after stints in the NFL with Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars means the speedster is one of the hottest names on the market.
As revealed by Daily Mail Sport, it is expected the 24-year-old wing will join rugby’s rebel league R360 for its slated start date of September 2026.
But before that, Rees-Zammit has been on the lookout for a one-year contract elsewhere. It is understood he has had a number of offers on his plate, including several in France.
Pat Lam’s Bears were interested in him from the start and Daily Mail Sport understands there is a confidence they can seal a deal for the Welshman ahead of their rivals.
Prior to leaving rugby for the NFL, Rees-Zammit played all of his club rugby with Gloucester.
Bristol Bears are close to securing the signing of 24-year-old Welsh winger Louis Rees-Zammit
Rees-Zammit returned to rugby after stints in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars
However, joining his former team’s West Country rivals would make a lot of sense.
Rees-Zammit, who is still currently based in Florida, could make the short commute to Bristol from his home city of Cardiff where he lived before moving to the USA.
The Bears also have money to spend on their squad and have space for a new wing.
Despite the fact he hasn’t played professional rugby for nearly 18 months, Rees-Zammit’s talent means he hasn’t been short of options.
Although he didn’t play a senior NFL match, his USA switch has made him a hot commercial property – something which complements his fine playing ability.
Should he sign for Bristol, he would be seen as a huge marketing tool for the Bears who will play Harlequins in Cardiff later in the 2025/26 season.
There is an understanding at Ashton Gate that should Rees-Zammit be in their team for that game in the Welsh capital on March 28, it could add a significant boost to ticket sales.
Bristol have a reputation for a bold and innovative approach to all their rugby operations.
Rees-Zammit will join rugby’s rebel league R360 for its slated start date of September 2026
Last season, they signed USA superstar Ilona Maher for their women’s team on a short-term deal to huge success and are keen to do the same with Rees-Zammit.
Earlier this week Newcastle Red Bulls director of rugby Steve Diamond confirmed his team wouldn’t be signing Rees-Zammit despite their takeover by the billionaire drinks conglomerate.
Gloucester had an option to discuss re-signing their former player.
But despite Cherry & Whites boss George Skivington having a discussion with Rees-Zammit, a Kingsholm return is unlikely leaving Bristol as the most probable English club to seal his signature.
Bristol could announcement Rees-Zammit’s signing imminently.
Any deal for Rees-Zammit will only be for 12 months with his R360 move in mind.
His domestic return is good news for Wales who are set to have Rees-Zammit back in their team for their November Tests – their first campaign under new head coach Steve Tandy.
