Louis Rees-Zammit sin-binned for fighting after try on first start since rugby return

Louis Rees-Zammit's first match back in rugby union was a rollercoaster, as he scored a try, got into a brawl and was sin-binned against his former club Gloucester.

The Welsh winger was a key player in the PREM Cup match at Kingsholm, where his Bristol Bears team put on a strong performance against their local rivals. Rees-Zammit crossed for a try just 22 minutes into the game and saw plenty of action as he continued his rugby comeback after an 18-month stint in the NFL.

However, the match wasn't without its drama, as he was sin-binned late in the first half for a tussle with fellow Welshman Caio Jones, with the two players exchanging heated words and shoves as they left the pitch.

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In addition to scoring a try, Rees-Zammit also missed one opportunity when he seemed to be clear following a signature chip and chase before fumbling the ball 10 metres from the goal line.

The 24 year old ex-Gloucester player became a target for the home crowd, who took delight in taunting him as tensions rose in the first 40 minutes, reports Wales Online.

Earlier, Rees-Zammit had demonstrated his ongoing threat, collecting a neat offload from Toby Baker to put him into space and speed past Jake Morris on the outside. He tossed the ball in the air in celebration as the home crowd booed.

Despite the earlier hostility, the match ended on a respectful note, as the home fans applauded their former star when he was substituted by Max Pepper after 56 minutes.

The Gallagher Premiership season gets underway next weekend, with Bristol's glamorous new recruit appearing primed for battle following weeks of honing his match sharpness and shedding pounds after his stint across the pond.

He's eager to revive his international prospects, with Steve Tandy almost guaranteed to include him in the autumn squad for clashes against Argentina, Japan, South Africa and New Zealand.

"I think you wouldn't rule anything out," said Tandy when asked whether Rees-Zammit would be included in his autumn squad.

"Zammo brings a big effect and excitement by coming back. I think it's great for the game.

"He's gone away to experience something new, which is class. I'm sure he will be in outstanding physical condition.

"The more players we have available to represent our country the better. That's exciting and makes our jobs easier.

"It will also make our calls on selection a lot more challenging in terms of selection as we've already got some very good back-three players. Adding Zammo into that makes it even more exciting for not only us, but the fans as well."