Rees-Zammit Returns to Wales: Called Up for Autumn Tests After NFL

Louis Rees-Zammit returns to the Wales team this autumn, marking his first appearance since he left rugby to pursue his dream in the NFL. It has been two years since winger Rees-Zammit last represented Wales. Instead, he signed a contract with the NFL through its International Program (IPP), which led him to be part of the training squads of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 24-year-old player chose to return to rugby in August, signing a one-season contract with the Bristol Bears. It’s fair to say that Rees-Zammit hasn’t missed much. In his absence, Wales suffered a historic run of 18 consecutive defeats that stretched from the 2023 Rugby World Cup to a test in Japan in July. During that period, Warren Gatland was removed as head coach, and now Steve Tandy is in charge.

Rees-Zammit is part of a 39-player squad that includes five uncapped players: prop Danny Southworth, hooker Brodie Coghlan, second row James Fender, flanker Morgan Morse and centre Louis Hennessey. There’s also a place for Rhys Carre, the Saracens prop. He has 20 international matches, so he doesn’t reach the 25-international match limit that allows Tandy to select those players who play outside of Wales, but the Welsh Professional Rugby Board gave Tandy a dispensation to select the Saracens prop. It’s been really exciting to go through the whole process and realize how many good players we have. Tandy added: “We have arrived at the selection decision, with which we are very happy. There is a very good mix of some young people coming in, mixed with some experience as well. But the overall feeling is really exciting and I can’t wait to have the guys in camp on Monday.”

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However, a missing player is second row Will Rowlands. He announced his retirement from international rugby on Tuesday, ending a career in Wales in which he won 41 matches.

Will has been an incredible servant to the game in Welsh rugby. He has been an exceptional player and a great human being in the environment.

Tandy

“Whoever spoke about Will said that he added a lot of value to the national game, both on and off the field. Obviously, it’s disappointing for us to lose a player of that quality, but we fully understand his circumstances and wish him the best for his future.”