Louis Rees-Zammit scored twice as Bristol Bears beat English champions Northampton 41-26, then mocked Henry Pollock's trademark celebration and revealed a forfeit has been agreed between the pair. The Wales international also clashed with Lions and England star Tommy Freeman after being denied a hat-trick try.
Rees-Zammit revels in Pollock rivalry
Pollock has become one of rugby's most recognisable personalities through his post-try celebrations for Northampton. Rees-Zammit, a former Wales and British & Irish Lions star, said he expects Pollock to respond next weekend.
“I obviously know Pollock has done that before so I thought I’d just give it a little bit back,” said Rees-Zammit. “Me and Pollock are really close. He’s doing great things for the sport. If we’re going to grow this game we need personalities, he’s definitely one and he’s got to do something next week after the forfeit we spoke about yesterday.”
Lam reverses position on winger role
Bristol boss Pat Lam has changed his mind over Rees-Zammit's best position. The head coach previously called the Welshman “100% a full-back who can play on the wing”, but now believes he is primarily a winger.
“He's definitely a winger who can play full-back,” Lam said. “I think he needed to go through that experience at full-back. A full-back is a guy who has to play people into places. Zam wants the ball and wants to go for it. For us, we've got to give him space and give him genuine one on ones.”
Lam had earlier explained his original reasoning, pointing to Rees-Zammit's kicking ability: “He can cause carnage when he runs it back, but he can also kick. If he couldn’t kick, you’d probably have to keep him on the wing, but he’s got a very powerful kick. And we saw against Quins, his chip and chase is class. He’s very skilful in that area. He’s only 24 and I see him as 100% a full-back who can play wing.”
After seeing Rees-Zammit thrive out wide, Lam's assessment has shifted. The winger, who returned to rugby after a spell in American football, told Lam after the game that he was disappointed not to get his hat-trick. “He's full throttle now,” Lam told The Rugby Pod. “He said to me after the game 'Ah, I didn't get my hat-trick. I said I don't care who scores and he just said, 'I do!' I love it. He's in a really good place.”
