Bulked-up Louis Rees-Zammit sent off for scrapping with ex-teammates

Louis Rees-Zammit’s first start back in rugby union was anything but quiet as the Bristol Bears winger scored a try, clashed with former Gloucester teammates and was shown a yellow card in his side’s 40-24 PREM Cup victory away at Kingsholm.

The 24-year-old, making his first start since returning from 18 months in the NFL, crossed after 22 minutes, collecting a neat offload from Toby Baker before scorching past Jake Morris to score in front of a hostile Shed.

He threw the ball skyward in celebration as the home support booed their former star.

The contest turned fractious towards the end of the first half when Rees-Zammit tangled with fellow Welshman Caio Jones. The pair exchanged shoves before a wider melee broke out, prompting referee Hamish Smales to dispatch both players to the sin bin.

An eventful return to Kingsholm Stadium for Louis Rees-Zammit ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/exf95iY4jA

— PREM Rugby (@premrugby) September 20, 2025

Rees-Zammit had earlier come close to a second try with a trademark chip-and-chase, only to fumble metres short of the line, much to the delight of the jeering Gloucester faithful.

Bristol, undeterred by the disruption, went on to record a convincing win in their West Country derby, with Pat Lam’s side looking sharp ahead of the Premiership opener next weekend.

Rees-Zammit was replaced by Max Pepper after 56 minutes, leaving the field to a mix of boos and applause from the Kingsholm crowd.

The Welshman sported a slightly bulkier frame following his return from the NFL, having added weight for the American code.

“It is hard to say because it is a lot less conditioning,” Rees-Zammit said over the summer. “I got up to like 105 kilos and my playing weight in rugby was probably about 96.

“Over the last couple of months I have really got myself back to about 100kg and now I am actually doing rugby training, I think I can get straight back down to that 96-98 kilo range and that is probably perfect for me.”

He’s widely expected to be called up to the Welsh Autumn nations squad by new head coach Steve Tandy.

“Zammo brings a big effect and excitement by coming back,” said Tandy. “He’s gone away to experience something new, which is class. I’m sure he will be in outstanding physical condition. The more players we have available to represent our country the better.”