Louis Rees-Zammit signs for Bristol Bears as he makes return to rugby
In January 2024, the 24-year-old announced he was leaving rugby to pursue a career in American Football. However, at the start of August 2025, he said he would return to the UK and to rugby.
During his time in American Football, the winger had spells with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, although he never played in a regular-season game.
Rees-Zammit said, 'Bristol Bears was the obvious choice for me. 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'm looking forward to working with my teammates, Pat Lam and the coaches and all the backroom team to bring success to the Bears.'
Director of Rugby at Bristol Bears, 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.
'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."
Announcing his return to rugby earlier this month, Rees-Zammit wrote, "I've decided to leave the NFL and return to rugby. It's been a great experience, but it's time to come home.
"I've decided that this is the best time to make this decision to give myself time to get everything in place for next season.
The club confirmed that he would join the side with immediate effect. He will still be eligible to play for the Welsh national side, where he has already earned 32 caps.
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