Wales star Rees-Zammit opens talks with Bristol over contract extension at Ashton Gate

WALES wing Louis Rees-Zammit has opened talks with Bristol Bears over extending his contract at Ashton Gate.

- MATHEW DAVIES

The 24-year-old had originally signed a one-year deal with the Bears upon his return from the NFL, with the Welshman being lined up for a lucrative move to R360 after his contract expired.

That is no longer on the cards, with the 2026 launch date of the Mike Tindall-backed initiative being pushed back two years to 2028.

That means former Gloucester man Rees-Zammit is on the lookout for another deal, with the Daily Mail reporting that Pat Lam's side are keen for him to stay in the West Country, but with a bump in salary likely to be key to negotiations.

Rees-Zammit spoke last month about how much he was enjoying his time in Bristol.

"I absolutely love it," he told TNT Sports after the win over Northampton. "It’s so good to be back in the Premiership. It's amazing to be at Bristol as well.