Rees-Zammit: I’ll show my best on Bears wing

■By ADAM HATHAWAY

LOUIS Rees-Zammit has got his rugby legs back after his stint in the NFL and is ready to go on the offensive for Bristol and Wales.

The 25-year-old joined Bears last summer after two years trying to crack it in gridiron with Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars before returning to union.

The Welshman, who was used regularly at fullback last season, insists he is better off on the wing than at 15.

He still scored five tries in 10 Prem outings for Bears and two for Wales last autumn and now he has found his feet back in union is hoping to star as Bristol’s wide receiver.

Rees-Zammit said: “Last year was a year to settle in again. Being away from the game for two years, it was tough to jump straight back in and try and be the best winger in the world or best fullback in the world.

“But it was good for me just to get back to up to speed with the game. And being with a new team, new coaches and a new style of play it was going to be a bit more difficult. I’m glad that year has happened and I can really kick on.

“When I first got to Bristol, I played the first kind of four or five games on the wing and got back used to what I was playing. And then Kalaveti Ravouvou and Gabriel Ibitoye were the wingers. So, there was a spot of full-back for me.

“I do enjoy the position, but throughout my whole career, I’ve always been a winger. So it was a lot easier to understand the game from there. “I’ve played my best rugby, been on the Lions tour and won the Six Nations on the wing. I felt like it was just the position for me. And hopefully I can get back to my best rugby this year.”

Up to speed: Bristol flyer Louis Rees-Zammit

PICTURES: Getty Images

Bristol finished sixth in the table last year but were hamstrung by their lack of try bonus points – nine in 18 games, the worst of the top seven and that is top of Pat Lam‘s side’s to-do list.

Rees-Zammit added: “Last year wasn’t the year we wanted. We won 11 games and we still didn’t make playoffs.

“We got the wins but in terms of bonus points to get us into that top four we lacked in that department. It’s not about changing too much, it’s just about going out and putting on the style of rugby that we like to play and then ultimately trying to score as many tries as we can. That was our issue last year which isn’t normal for Bristol Bears.

“We definitely won’t be changing. We’ll just be doubling down on what we’re best at. We’ve got a decent sized pack and our backline is pretty electric.

“So, if we can kind of get back to playing some exciting rugby and scoring some tries, I think that’ll really put us in good stead for top four at least.”