Gloucester history for Rees-Zammit

WALES Under-18 sensation Louis Rees-Zammit makes history today when he becomes the youngest player in Gloucester’s illustrious history to start a European match (3.15pm).

It will be some occasion for the youngster, with the Cherry and Whites away to star-studded French big-spenders Montpellier in the showpiece Heineken Champions Cup.

Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann advised new Wales boss Wayne Pivac to “invest” in ReesZammit.

The Llandaff RFC product’s selection for the clash with Montpellier, where he will go up directly against Fiji juggernaut Nemani Nadolo, is further proof of how highly he is rated by Ackermann.

“It’s part of our process. We have to believe he’s at that level that he can play and Louis is obviously one of those,” said the former lock, who lifted the 2007 World Cup with South Africa.

“I heard a lot about him. I saw him play in the Gloucester-Leicester under-18 final last season and he scored a try from his half.

“We had an A League game against Bristol last season and he played in that. He scored a try from the kick-off, he swerved everybody.

“During pre-season, we got four or five young boys who had just joined our academy to train with us and he was one of them.

“He trained well and had the first few games for us with Charlie Sharples and Ollie Thornley not ready. He was tremendous in the one game.

“There’s a lot of things he can still learn and improve as an 18-year-old but we’re excited about his talent and what he’s got.

“He’s somebody who, if I was Wales, I would look to invest in because I think he’s got the ability.

“He’s big, has got pace, skill and is a confident lad who speaks well. He’s got a belief about himself and, if he keeps level-headed, I see a bright future for him.”