Today's rugby news as Tandy sets Wales player target and WRU reveal Rees-Zammit stance
The latest headlines from Wales and around the world
WRU chief executive Abi Tierney and new Wales head coach Steve Tandy
(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)
These are your latest rugby headlines on Friday, August 8.
WRU reveal Rees-Zammit stance
Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney has not ruled out trying to persuade Louis Rees-Zammit to ply his trade in Wales following his sudden return to rugby. The 32-cap international announced last week that he would be coming back to rugby after spending the last 18 months trying to make it in the NFL, in which time he had spells with both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars
Despite his best efforts, it didn't work out in the United States in the end for Rees-Zammit, who is now considering his options ahead of the new rugby season.
Bristol Bears and his former side Gloucester have emerged as potential destinations for the 24-year-old, but even with the current state of Welsh rugby, Tierney has not shut the door to Rees-Zammit featuring for one of Wales' four professional sides. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
"I'm over the moon Louis is coming back to rugby because it gives us him for the national team," she said during a press conference on Thursday. "Number one – that's fantastic news. The challenge we've got is we're starting the season in September.
"You can have a look at what different teams are doing with their salary caps and their players. Are we in touch with Louis and trying to find a way in which we can make something work? Of course it would be fantastic.
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"But I'm sure he'll have lots of other offers as well."
It comes after former Wales captain Sam Warburton told the union that they should "throw the kitchen sink" at Rees-Zammit to ensure he signs for a Welsh club.
"Now whether he goes back to Wales to play rugby at club level remains to be seen, but it's tricky timing," he told Sky Sports. "There is uncertainty over what the club structure is going to be over the next 12 months in Wales.
"He is probably not 100% sure where he is going to play his club rugby either. But selfishly I'd love to see him back in Wales, it would be great for the game.
"Something like that would make a big statement in Welsh rugby - I'd be throwing the kitchen sink at him, realistically, within the means of the business."
Tandy sets Wales player target
Steve Tandy insists it is a target of his to ensure more Welsh players are included in the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand in four years' time.
Wales' poor form meant they only had two players - Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams - named in Andy Farrell's squad on the recent tour of Australia, but new Wales boss Tandy believes it is vital there is a stronger Welsh representation in 2029.
"It's the pinnacle of the game, the Lions, and again having two and it's still brilliant for those two and again it is hard to get on a Lions tour especially with so many good teams around," said Tandy.
"I would love to see the next time it comes around getting more. I know when we were with Scotland the pride we had.
"I think we had like eight or nine the first time round and then you're like 'Oh my God, that's amazing' and then you see the growth around that.
"But I think a lot of that will be underpinned by how well connected we get with these players, how we can accelerate the development, how they are open to what they want to do and be better and driving not just the individual part of the game.
"I think it would be a real good sense of development if we got more numbers on our trip."
Thomas: We're hungrier now
Cardiff back rower Dan Thomas says he and his teammates are "more hungry now" after an improved URC campaign last season, with the target now to "do one better" and make the play-offs this time around.
The 31-year-old arrived at Arms Park last summer after 12 years with Bristol and he has gone on to make 13 appearances for Matt Sherratt's side, establishing himself as a valuable member of the squad.
Speaking to the club's website as their preparations for the new season continue, Thomas discussed his time with Cardiff so far and the team's goals for the new season.
"After being so long at Bristol, it was a change of scenery and it's been good. I've really enjoyed it,' he said. 'I've settled in well and the boys have been a good crack.
'I love Cardiff and love the rugby we play. With Jockey and Jonny (Goodridge) running the attack it's been good. It suits my style of play and suits the way the club wants to play. It's very rewarding. The boys love throwing the ball around.
'Obviously we were disappointed not to make the play-offs last season, but it was a step in the right direction and hopefully this year we'll do one better.
'The boys are more hungry now because they know what it tastes like to have a couple of wins under your belt and get momentum going, which we had through most of the season," Thomas added.
'Winning is addictive. So we want that and to be in the mix for the play-offs at the end of the season because anything can happen then. The hunger is more than ever. You play rugby to win things. You want to win silverware. It will be a good season this year.'
Springbok steps away from rugby
Springbok Women flanker Lusanda Dumke is stepping away from rugby due to health concerns.
The 28-year-old forward, who captains the Isuzu Bulls Daisies and has won 33 caps for her country, is a former SA Rugby Women's Player of the Year award recipient, but has walked away from the game while she battles an undislosed medical issue.
Springbok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin has expressed full support for Dumke's decision, which comes two weeks out from the start of the Women's Rugby World Cup.
"Lusanda has been pivotal for us, but we now wish her the best as she battles her medical condition,' the coach said in a statement.
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'Her absence will have an impact, but at the same time, the players going to the Rugby World Cup will know that playing for your country while you are fit and strong is indeed a privilege.'
Thando Manana, executive for women's rugby and strategic projects at the Blue Bulls Company, said: 'Lusanda has been more than just a captain, she's been the heartbeat of the Isuzu Bulls Daisies. Her leadership, humility, and relentless drive have shaped the culture of this team.
'While we respect her decision to step away for health reasons, her legacy will continue to inspire every player who wears this jersey. We stand firmly behind her and wish her strength and healing in the journey ahead.'
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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.
