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The Wales winger is in talks over a new deal at Bristol but Top 14 clubs are circling
Louis Rees-Zammit is attracting interest from a number of French clubs after reportedly turning down an astonishing £600,000-a-season offer from Newcastle Red Bulls.
Rugby Pass report the Wales winger said no to the three-year deal before his proposed move to R360 collapsed with a delay to the mooted new competition. He currently earns around £220,000 at Bristol Bears and is in discussions about extending his deal on better terms.
The 24-year-old has impressed since returning from the NFL, scoring three tries in six matches and playing for Wales during the autumn internationals. He starts at full-back for Bristol against Harlequins on Saturday
Bristol coach Pat Lam has previously revealed the Welshman turned down better financial offers to join Bristol for this season, but he will be looking for a higher wage after proving he is still one of the best and most marketable assets in the British game.
Rees-Zammit’s future is one of the most high profile to still be confirmed after a number of deals were signed in recent weeks.
Wales team-mates Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake are both joining Gloucester next season, while Tomos Williams is leaving for Saracens and Nicky Smith has signed for Sale Sharks from Leicester.
As for Rees-Zammit, he is thought to be keen to stay at Bristol if the right deal can be struck. He lives in Cardiff and commutes to training and matches.
Lam has been impressed by the Wales star’s performances and attitude since taking a slight gamble on him in the summer.
Any concerns were quickly allayed as Rees-Zammit proved he is still a top class player who now has added bulk to go with his electric speed.
He has suffered a couple of niggly injuries since being at the club and was pulled late from last weekend’s comfortable win over Pau in the Champions Cup.
Speaking recently about his return to rugby, 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.”
His impact has also been hailed by team-mate Harry Randall, who said: “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.”
