Louis Rees-Zammit has hit back at suggestions he has lost pace after piling on muscle during his American football stint. The Wales wing, who returned to rugby with Bristol Bears after an 18-month NFL attempt, insists he is now faster than ever despite bulking up to 105kg.
The 24-year-old revealed his record speed of 24mph while playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs, and has since shed the extra weight. 'I'm back now to probably about 98, 99 kilos and I'm definitely quicker than I was before,' he said on The Rugby Pod.
Rees-Zammit scored a try in Bears' recent win over Gloucester, showcasing the pace that earned him fame in union. Clips shared by Premiership Rugby showed his frantic performance, with fans noting his increased muscle mass. 'Still got the wheels, then,' one observer commented.
He detailed the brutal training regime in the NFL, involving daily gym sessions and short burst speed work. 'In American football, it's about getting big and strong because you have to block big boys,' he explained. He emphasised that his upper body has 'filled out', addressing past jokes about his slight frame.
Rees-Zammit is set to make his Premiership debut for Bristol against Leicester Tigers on Sunday.
