Louis Rees-Zammit rejects offer after being withdrawn from squad at last minute | Rugby | Sport

Louis Rees-Zammit is drawing attention from several French clubs after reportedly rejecting a staggering £600,000-a-season offer from Newcastle Red Bulls. According to Rugby Pass, the Welsh winger declined the three-year deal before his anticipated move to R360 fell through due to a delay in the proposed new competition. He currently earns approximately £220,000 at Bristol Bears and is in talks about renewing his contract on improved terms.

Rees-Zammit has made a strong impression since returning from the NFL, scoring three tries in six matches and representing Wales during the autumn internationals. He will start as full-back for Bristol against Harlequins on Saturday. Head coach Pat Lam previously revealed that the Welshman rejected more lucrative offers to join Bristol for this season, but he will be seeking a higher salary after demonstrating that he remains one of the best and most marketable players in British rugby.

Rees-Zammit’s future is among the most high-profile yet to be confirmed following a series of deals signed in recent weeks.

Wales colleagues Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake are both moving to Gloucester next season, while Tomos Williams is departing for Saracens and Nicky Smith has transferred to Sale Sharks from Leicester.

As for Rees-Zammit, it is believed he is eager to remain at Bristol if the right agreement can be reached. He resides in Cardiff and commutes to training and matches.

Last week, he was pulled from the Bristol line-up against Pau at the eleventh hour. He had initially been picked to start at full-back but was withdrawn from the side before kick-off due to a minor injury concern.

Lam explained before the match: “We had training and when he came out his calf was a bit tight and he dropped out of training on Friday so we took the precaution and pulled him out, the same with Max Lahiff.”

Rees-Zammit has endured a few minor injury setbacks since arriving at the club, but is loving his rugby again.

Reflecting on his comeback, he said: “I absolutely love it. It’s so good to be back in the Premiership. It’s amazing to be at Bristol as well.

“The whole club, my team-mates, they’ve all made me feel so welcome. The supporters as well. We get such a good turnout every week.”

Team-mate Harry Randall has also praised his influence, commenting: “He’s had a very big impact, the person he is coming into a squad. He’s brilliant for our commercial team, I should think.

“He’s probably brought a few more followers for them! But he’s been brilliant. He’s fitted in seamlessly, and it’s been a joy to have him round the place.

“He’s massive for us to have on the field as you can see from the small period of time he’s been here already.”