The Wales international helped Bristol Bears to victory with a well-taken double
18:24, 27 Dec 2025Updated 20:41, 27 Dec 2025
Rees-Zammit impressed after being deployed at full-back again(Image: TNT Sports)
Louis Rees-Zammit scored twice as he helped Bristol Bears come from behind to beat Newcastle Red Bulls 26-27 in the Gallagher PREM on Saturday.
Visitors Newcastle built up a 10-point lead at Ashton Gate as they threatened an upset, but Pat Lam’s side ultimately overpowered their spirited opponents with the help of Rees-Zammit’s brace. The Welshman – who was again deployed at full-back by Lam – was at his elusive best, scoring his side’s first try as he raced through a gaping hole in the Newcastle defensive line to cross.
He then helped set up a try for teammate Matias Moroni with a well-timed offload, before going on to complete his double in the second half with a fine finish.
A fizzing pass from Moroni found Rees-Zammit just outside the Newcastle 22, but the 24-year-old still had a lot to do as he stepped inside one defender before evading another with his quick footwork.
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He was simply too fast for two other onrushing defenders as he sliced his way through and dived over the line, with his score putting his team level with less than 25 minutes left to play.
His brace marked his seventh and eighth tries for Bristol since he joined the PREM side on his return to rugby from the NFL earlier this year.
It was also the second successive game that Rees-Zammit, who normally plays on the wing, had started at full-back, having worn the 15 jersey against Harlequins at Twickenham last week, in a match that also saw him get on the scoresheet with a fine solo effort.
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Before that, he had played in the position on only a few occasions for Gloucester and Wales, but he looks to be excelling at full-back, with TNT Sports commentator Joe Byrnes declaring “the full-back experiment is working” as the Welshman crossed for his second try.
The development is sure to pique the interest of Wales head coach Steve Tandy ahead of the Six Nations in less than six weeks’ time.
While Scarlets star Blair Murray wore the 15 jersey in all four of Wales’ autumn international Tests, he struggled under the high ball. The likes of Jacob Beetham and Cam Winnett are other potential options for Tandy, but Rees-Zammit would offer a physical threat, experience and authority under the high ball, as well as his trademark speed and ability to slice through defences.
The Welshman’s transition from wing to full-back has already impressed his head coach, with Lam singing his praises after last week’s clash with Harlequins.
“Louis has fitted in really well after returning from his NFL spell in the States,” he told the BBC. “He’s an outstanding lad who can switch from wing to full-back, where he played tonight. He can do special things and that’s what he did here with his try.”
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