Louis Rees-Zammit has returned to rugby with a bang, scoring a spectacular try on his debut for Bristol Bears after signing a one-year deal following an 18-month NFL adventure.
Yet, the winger’s stay at Ashton Gate could be far shorter than fans hope — with reports confirming he is a prime target for lucrative approaches from the emerging R360 rugby league.
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Rees-Zammit’s journey away from union began in March 2024 when he joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. He featured for both the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars before deciding to return to his roots.
Bristol secured his signature for the 2025/26 season, and the former Wales international wasted no time in making an impact, racing in a 60-metre try in the Bears’ victory over Leicester Tigers last weekend .
But Bristol boss Pat Lam has admitted there is little guarantee Rees-Zammit will stay beyond this year.
He told Rugby Pass: “I know a few of the guys have been approached, and that is their business. All we can control is who is here now. Loyalty in rugby went out when it became professional. We are loyal to players who sign up here,”
R360, backed by a multi-billion-dollar investment, is aggressively chasing marquee players to anchor its new league.
Rees-Zammit, with his speed, profile, and marketability, is widely regarded as one of their prime targets. Sources suggest the franchise is prepared to offer him a contract far beyond anything available in the Gallagher Prem.
For Bristol, this creates a dilemma. While Rees-Zammit’s debut season promises to be electrifying, the likelihood of him being lured away for a massive payday after just one season now hangs over Ashton Gate. Lam insists the club is focused on the here and now, but admits the reality of modern professional rugby is that player movement at the highest level is unavoidable.
For Rees-Zammit, the question is whether his time at Bristol be a long-term move or simply a showcase season before a big-money exit to R360 next summer.
EDITORS PICKS:
Hardest Rugby Players Of All-Time (Ranked 15-1)
Rugby is a sport that celebrates toughness, resilience, and raw power. The following players have epitomized these qualities, earning their places as some of the hardest to ever grace the field.
15. Sébastien Chabal – “The Caveman”
Position: Number 8, Lock, Flanker
Born: December 8, 1977, Valence, France
Caps: 62 (France)
Club Career: Bourgoin, Sale Sharks, Racing Métro, Lyon
Known for his imposing presence, full beard, and long hair, Chabal was a formidable force on the field. His aggressive playing style earned him the nickname “The Caveman” and made him a fan favorite in France. Despite his intimidating appearance, Chabal was also known for his sportsmanship and dedication to the game.
14. Brian Lima – “The Chiropractor”
Position: Wing, Centre
Born: January 25, 1972, Apia, Samoa
Caps: 64 (Samoa)
Club Career: Stade Français, Swansea, Secom Rugguts, Munster, Bristol
Lima earned the nickname “The Chiropractor” for his bone-crunching tackles that left opponents reeling. He was known for his fearless approach to the game and his ability to deliver devastating hits that often turned the tide in matches.
13. Eben Etzebeth – “The Enforcer”
Position: Lock
Born: October 29, 1991, Cape Town, South Africa
Caps: 116 (South Africa)
Club Career: Western Province, Stormers, Toulon
Etzebeth is renowned for his physicality and aggressive playing style. Standing at 6’8″ and weighing over 120kg, he dominates the lineouts and is a constant threat in the scrum. His no-nonsense approach to the game has made him a key figure in South African rugby.
12. Bakkies Botha – “The Beast”
Position: Lock
Born: September 22, 1979, Pretoria, South Africa
Caps: 75 (South Africa)
Club Career: Blue Bulls, Toulon
Botha was known for his physicality and aggressive demeanor on the field. His confrontational playing style often led to intense confrontations, earning him a reputation as one of the hardest players in rugby history.
11. Jerry Collins – “The Terminator”
Position: Blindside Flanker
Born: November 4, 1980, Apia, Samoa
Caps: 48 (New Zealand)
Club Career: Hurricanes, Toulon, Ospreys
Collins was known for his ferocious tackling and aggressive playing style. His hard-hitting approach made him a feared opponent and a key figure in New Zealand’s rugby success during his career.
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