First side show interest in Louis Rees-Zammit as Welshman's next club odds emerge | Wales Online

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Bristol Bears are reportedly interested in opening contract talks with former Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit, according to The Telegraph. The Welshman, who is currently in America and had been pursuing a career in American football, has revealed he is returning to rugby this season.

Despite a season on the practice squad with Jacksonville Jaguars, it hasn't quite worked out for the former Gloucester Rugby flyer. He had been part of the 17-player practice squad with the NFL franchise, but was not elevated to play on one occasion last season. Posting to Instagram, he confirmed it was time to "come home".

Now, of course, the attention turns to where he will play his club rugby. The Telegraph's report states that Bears are in the market for a winger and have space in the salary cap to acquire Rees-Zammit.

The West Country outfit only have three wingers on the books right now, in Gabriel Ibitoye, Jack Bates and Kalaveti Ravouvou.

Rees-Zammit previously commuted from Wales to Gloucester when he played at Kinghsholm, so a move to Bristol, which is in a similar vicinity, would make sense for the 2021 Lions tourist.

There are other clubs interested in Rees-Zammit's signature and it is expected he will have interest from France, too, with bookmakers believing the Cherry & Whites are favourites to re-sign him at 2/1 - although also putting in any other English club at those odds too.

Cardiff are the most fancied Welsh suitor at 10/1.

Rees-Zammit will no doubt want to get back involved in Test match rugby, so a move to an English side would make travelling a lot easier for him.

Writing on Instagram at midnight on Friday morning, he said: "I've got an exciting announcement to make! 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.

"There's only one thing that's on my mind, that's coming back to rugby and doing what I do best. I can't explain how excited I am!!

"There'll be more news to come soon but for now, see you soon rugby fans." Stay up to date with our live blog of Rees-Zammit's big return to rugby.

Rees-Zammit initially signed for back-to-back Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs in March 2024, following an IPP Pro Day.

However, he was subsequently cut from their roster ahead of the new season and was left without a club. He was then picked up by Jaguars and spent the campaign on the practice squad.

He re-signed with the franchise for this season but has decided to call it a day and return to rugby.

1/5 to start for Wales in any of the 2025 Autumn Internationals