Goalkeeper Townsend departs Newport County
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The Guardian
3 hours ago
- The Guardian
Louis Rees-Zammit signs for Bristol to complete return to rugby from NFL
Louis Rees-Zammit has sealed his return to rugby from American football after signing for Bristol. The 24-year-old, who has been capped 32 times by Wales, announced in January 2024 that he was quitting rugby to join the NFL's international player pathway program. He signed for the Kansas City Chiefs and then the Jacksonville Jaguars, but failed to make a breakthrough and has opted to return to his roots. Rees-Zammit said on the club website: 'Bristol Bears was the obvious choice for me. I want to get fans out of their seats, create exciting moments and help people fall in the love with the game. I'm excited to return to rugby at a club that demands those values.' The wing scored 42 tries in 77 appearances for Gloucester, while his tally for Wales stands at 14. The Bristol director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: 'Louis is a world-class player and we're thrilled to welcome him back to rugby union and to the Bears this season. He has the drive and ambition to be one of the best back-three players in the world and his goals align perfectly with our ambitions as a club. 'At just 24 years old, we know the athlete and competitor he is. The way we play and the way he wants to play fit seamlessly together and we're looking forward to working with him when he joins the group tomorrow.' Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion Bristol begin their season against Sale in the Premiership Rugby Cup on 13 September.
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Louis Rees-Zammit declares return to rugby with maverick English side Bristol as 'the obvious choice'
Louis Rees-Zammit declared Bristol 'the obvious choice' and said the ambitious Bears were perfect for him on and off the field as he confirmed his rugby return. After 18 months in the NFL with Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, Rees-Zammit is now back in the sport in which he made his name. On Thursday night, Bristol confirmed the signing of the Wales wing – one forecast by Daily Mail Sport on Wednesday – ahead of the new Prem Rugby season. The 24-year-old has signed a one-year contract at Ashton Gate with immediate effect and is then set to join rugby's rebel league R360 for its slated start date of September 2026. 'Bristol was the obvious choice for me,' Rees-Zammit said. 'The style of rugby the team play – all about entertaining the fans and growing the game – perfectly aligns to how I want to play and how I express myself on and off the field. 'I want to get fans out of their seats, create exciting moments, and help people fall in the love with the game. 'I'm excited to return to rugby at a club that demands those values. 'I'm looking forward to working with my team-mates, Pat Lam and the coaches and all the backroom team to bring success to the Bears.' Prior to his shock USA switch in January last year, Rees-Zammit had played all his club rugby with Bristol's West Country rivals Gloucester. Although he hasn't played the 15-man game professionally for 18 months, his arrival is a significant one for the ambitious Bears who have a track record of innovation. Their signing of Rees-Zammit fits both parties to a tee. The player can make the short commute from his home city of Cardiff and bed back into rugby with a team that will suit his style of play down to the ground. From Bristol's perspective, they get a fine player hungry to prove his worth after a short sabbatical. Rees-Zammit will also add to Bristol's commercial appeal, particularly for their game with Harlequins which will take place in Cardiff later this upcoming season. 'I want to get fans out of their seats, create exciting moments, and help people fall in the love with the game,' he said Rees-Zammit is no vanity deal, however. He is a proven try machine with 14 in 32 Tests for Wales and 42 in 77 games for Gloucester. Rees-Zammit's Bristol move will also help him to be in top form for his slated Wales return which will come in their November Tests. Bristol director of rugby Lam said: 'Louis is a world-class player and we're thrilled to welcome him back to rugby union and to the Bears this season. 'Although we have a small squad, we've been building quality depth and experience across the team, bringing in players who can cover multiple positions to help us take that next step in the Prem and in Europe. 'Louis offers exactly that to our dynamic back three, with his ability and desire to play both full-back and wing for the Bears. 'He has the drive and ambition to be one of the best back-three players in the world and his goals align perfectly with our ambitions as a club.'
The Herald Scotland
4 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Louis Rees-Zammit joins Bristol as he returns to rugby
He signed first for the Kansas City Chiefs and then the Jacksonville Jaguars but he failed to make a breakthrough with either and has opted to return to his roots. Bear Country 🐻 So grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to get started ⚡️ — Louis Rees-Zammit ⚡️ (@LouisReesZammit) August 14, 2025 Rees-Zammit said on the club website: 'Bristol Bears was the obvious choice for me. 'I want to get fans out of their seats, create exciting moments and help people fall in the love with the game. I'm excited to return to rugby at a club that demands those values.' The exciting winger formerly scored 42 tries in 77 appearances for Gloucester, while his try tally in a Wales shirt stands at 14. Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said: 'Louis is a world-class player and we're thrilled to welcome him back to rugby union and to the Bears this season. Louis Rees-Zammit previously starred for Wales (David Davies/PA) 'He has the drive and ambition to be one of the best back-three players in the world, and his goals align perfectly with our ambitions as a club. 'At just 24 years old, we know the athlete and competitor he is. The way we play and the way he wants to play fit seamlessly together, and we're looking forward to working with him when he joins the group tomorrow.' Bristol begin their season against Sale Sharks in the Premiership Rugby Cup on September 13.
