CARDIFF,Wales – Louis Rees-Zammit is back on the rugby field and aiming for an autumn international return with Wales. The explosive winger, who spent time in the NFL with the Chiefs and Jaguars, is prioritizing his performance for bristol upon his return to the sport.
Rees-Zammit Prioritizes Bristol Ahead of Potential Wales Return
louis rees-Zammit is back in rugby, focusing on match fitness for Bristol and eyeing a return to the Wales national team.
- Louis Rees-Zammit has returned to rugby after a stint in the NFL.
- He is focused on regaining match fitness and performing for Bristol.
- Rees-Zammit is in talks with Wales head coach Steve Tandy about an autumn international return.
- He believes his skills are intact but needs to adapt to rugby’s conditioning demands.
Rees-Zammit, a significant draw for rugby organizers with more Instagram followers than the Welsh Rugby Union, will be joined by his girlfriend, Drew Knotts, back in Cardiff. His return comes as Wales has struggled in his absence, losing 17 out of 18 Tests since he departed.
While a move to a Welsh region was not considered, Rees-Zammit has engaged in discussions with new Wales head coach Steve Tandy and his coaching staff.His immediate focus, though, remains on delivering for Bristol, a sentiment underscored by his admission that he even missed tackling during his NFL experience.
By the time the season kicks off, Rees-Zammit will not have played in a competitive match for 20 months. He has spent the last two months reacquainting himself with a rugby ball,and he feels confident he is not “rusty.”
“The skill isn’t really the issue, it’s just about being match fit,” Rees-Zammit stated. He highlighted the differences in conditioning between sports, noting that rugby demands more sustained anaerobic fitness and repeated sprints rather than long-distance running, due to the higher ball-in-play time.
did you know? Rees-Zammit claims he still clocks 23mph, even after gaining an extra 10kg.
Rees-Zammit acknowledges the pressure that comes with being one of rugby’s recognized stars. He returns without regrets, but with significant attention on his progress and reintegration into the game.
What is Louis Rees-Zammit’s primary focus upon returning to rugby? Rees-Zammit’s primary focus is performing for Bristol and regaining match fitness after his NFL stint.
Has Louis Rees-Zammit considered a return to Welsh regional rugby? No, there was no consideration of a move to a Welsh region; his focus is on Bristol.
What are the key differences in conditioning Rees-Zammit noted? He pointed out rugby’s emphasis on anaerobic fitness and repeated sprints compared to the NFL’s longer-distance demands, due to rugby’s higher ball-in-play time.
