Brilliant Rees-Zammit in Rugby Return: Lam Trusts in His Improvement

Bristol coach Pat Lam expressed his optimism about Louis Rees-Zammit’s performance after his return to the Gallagher Prem, highlighting his constant improvement. Rees-Zammit, who previously left rugby union to explore a career in the NFL, made his first appearance in the Prem since December 2023. Despite not securing a spot in the regular season with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars, he was signed by Bristol as their summer star. The Welsh player capped a standout performance with Bristol’s fifth and final try, contributing to the 42-24 victory over Leicester in front of a crowd of 20,000 spectators at Ashton Gate.

“He’s getting better every day, and what I liked about his game today was that he was also good physically in contact. He didn’t have it easy, and that will give him a lot of confidence,” commented Bristol’s rugby director, Pat Lam.

Pat Lam

Lam also praised Rees-Zammit’s rapid adaptation to the team and his commitment to continuous improvement.

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Although the day was positive for Rees-Zammit, the Bristol team suffered setbacks. AJ MacGinty, Harry Randall, and Gabriel Ibitoye were forced to leave the field due to injuries. Lam indicated that AJ MacGinty’s injury could be the most serious, suggesting a possible Achilles tendon injury, while Randall and Ibitoye suffered hamstring injuries. Bristol’s tries were scored by Rees-Zammit, Ibitoye, Fitz Harding, Gabriel Oghre, and Josh Carrington. Tom Jordan added four conversions and two penalties, and MacGinty also scored a penalty. Adam Radwan scored twice for Leicester, in Geoff Parling’s first match as head coach, with Jack van Poortvliet and Orlando Bailey also scoring. Bailey converted twice, but the Tigers were left with a bonus point for the defeat.