Louis Rees-Zammit said Bristol was the ‘perfect’ club for him to deliver his best rugby after he committed his long-term future to the Bears.
The 24-year-old returned to his boyhood sport for the start of this season after a stint in the NFL where he held contracts with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Initially, he penned a one-year contract at Ashton Gate with a view to then joining rugby’s proposed new breakaway league R360 in the summer of 2026.
But when R360 announced in November its scheduled launch date had been pushed back to 2028 at the earliest, Rees-Zammit was forced into a rethink. Re-signing with Bristol was the obvious move for the flying wing, and the club today confirmed he has penned a ‘long-term’ deal.
‘I’m incredibly happy to have committed my future to Bristol. This is the perfect club for me and I’m excited to see what we can achieve,’ Rees-Zammit said.
‘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.
Louis Rees-Zammit has committed his future to the Bristol Bears after signing a long-term deal
The 24-year-old returned to rugby union for the start of this season after a stint in the NFL
‘It makes me excited about what we can build together in the years ahead.’
With his rapid pace and eye for the try line, Rees-Zammit is one of the most prolific scorers in the world game.
He has crossed for six tries in eight appearances for Bristol and also returned to the Wales team for the first time since the 2023 World Cup in their autumn games.
Rees-Zammit’s best position is wing, but he has also impressed at full-back for Bristol over the Christmas period.
Pat Lam’s Bears are fourth in the PREM Rugby table ahead of their clash with Sale on Friday.
Bristol director of rugby Lam said: ‘Louis is a world-class talent and someone who embodies the way we want to play.
‘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 24, 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.
‘We’re delighted he’s committed his long-term future to the club.’
