Louis Rees-Zammit Bio
Louis Rees-Zammit is a Welsh professional rugby union player who plays for the Bristol Bears in the Premiership. He began his athletic career in American football, training through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program in 2024. Transitioning from rugby union, he aimed to make an impact in the NFL but returned to rugby after 18 months. Highly regarded for his speed and agility, Rees-Zammit has played for the Wales national team and has represented the British & Irish Lions. He is recognized for his achievements on and off the field, and his legacy continues to grow in both sports.
Early Life and Background
Louis Rees-Zammit was born on 2 February 2001 in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. His paternal grandfather emigrated from Malta, and his family has a strong athletic background. Rees-Zammit’s parents were athletes, and his brother played rugby union for Llandaff RFC. His uncle, Paul Rees, played as a full-back for Cardiff RFC, Pontypool RFC, and the Wales B team. Inspired by his father, Joe, who played American football for Cardiff Bay Tigers, Louis developed an interest in the NFL from a young age. The family supported the Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders), and Louis’s favorite NFL player was DeSean Jackson. He attended The Cathedral School, Llandaff, where he played rugby. After secondary school, he dated social media influencer Saffron Barker, but their relationship ended in March 2024. In 2021, Rees-Zammit was chosen as the official patron for the British charity Sporting Minds UK, which he had been involved with since 2019. He also did sponsorship work for Vodafone during the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa.
Path to American Football
In his youth, Rees-Zammit played rugby at the Cardiff Blues academy and was named in the Cardiff Schools Team of the Decade for the 2010s. He was a regular player in the Wales under-18s team and qualified for the equivalent England team due to residency. In 2017, he transferred to Hartpury College, the academy of Gloucester Rugby, in the AASE Championship, where he won consecutive trophies. After leaving college, he played for Gloucester United in 2019 before being promoted to the Gloucester professional team. Rees-Zammit debuted in the Gloucester senior team in the 2018–2019 season, becoming the club’s youngest ever English Premiership player at 18 years and 70 days. He also became Gloucester’s youngest European player and youngest European try scorer in the Champions Cup during his debut season.
Louis Rees-Zammit Career
Early Career (2018–2024)
Louis Rees-Zammit made his professional debut with Gloucester in the 2018–2019 season, quickly establishing himself as a standout player. He scored two tries against Worcester Warriors in December 2019 and became the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the Premiership during a match against Northampton. His performances earned him the Premiership Player of the Month Award. In January 2020, he signed his first professional contract with Gloucester, securing a long-term deal. He ended his debut season with 15 appearances, scoring ten tries in the Premiership and three in the European Champions Cup. With continued form, he was selected for the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2021, where he scored three tries in four appearances.
Breakthrough (2024)
In January 2024, Rees-Zammit announced his intention to retire from rugby union to pursue a career in American football. He trained in the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as a running back. However, he was not selected for the final roster and subsequently joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as a wide receiver. After an 18-month stint in the NFL, he announced his return to rugby union in July 2025, citing a desire to focus on his talent in rugby.
Notable Works and Milestones
Louis Rees-Zammit’s signature work includes his remarkable debut season with Gloucester, where he set records as the youngest player in various categories. He has also made significant contributions to the Wales national team, scoring 14 tries at the international level.
Louis Rees-Zammit Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Louis Rees-Zammit has received several nominations, including for the World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year award in 2021.
Louis Rees-Zammit Awards Won
Louis Rees-Zammit has won multiple awards, including Gloucester’s young player of the year award for the 2019–2020 season.
Louis Rees-Zammit Family
Louis Rees-Zammit comes from a family of athletes, with both parents having a background in sports. His brother plays rugby union, and his uncle Paul Rees has a notable rugby career.
Personal Life
Rees-Zammit has been involved in charitable work, serving as the patron for Sporting Minds UK. He has also engaged in sponsorship activities with various brands. His relationship with social media influencer Saffron Barker was public until their breakup in March 2024.
