Flying wings provide new Wales boss with timely double boost

BRISTOL Bears coach Pat Lam was happy with what he saw from Louis Rees-Zammit on his return to rugby.

- BEN JAMES

The Welshman came off the bench for the final 30 minutes of the Bears' defeat to Sale Sharks on Saturday after 18 months away from the sport.

While he struggled to hit top gear in appalling conditions, Lam was encouraged by the early signs despite his side going down 24-15 in the Premiership Rugby Cup encounter.

Lam told The Rugby Paper: "It was a positive that Louis got out there and got some game-time.

"You can see he tried to have a go a couple of times and he's a threat.

"By the time he came on, unfortunately the rain was coming down but you could see how dangerous he is.

"That's the first of some big steps he's going to make going forward.

"He's happy, I'm happy, and we'll move through to the next stage."