Rees-Zammit ready for Wales return – Cuthbert

Former Wales international Alex Cuthbert claims that Wing Louis Rees-Zammit is ready to rejoin the team this autumn.

Rees-Zammit, who left his rugby union to pursue an American football career, made a try-scoring return to the Gallagher Prem in his first league game since December 2023.

With their fifth and final try against Leicester 42-24 on Sunday at Ashton Gate, the 24-year-old returned and wrapped up a strong all-around performance.

Rees-Zammit needs to be given some time to adjust to rugby, according to former Wales wing Shane Williams.

Cuthbert is of the opinion that Steve Tandy, who is a native of Cardiff, can immediately re-sign him for the national team for the autumn internationals in November.

Rees-Zammit, according to Cuthbert, is succeeding despite having to play in the NFL.

Cuthbert said, “He will only gain from returning to rugby.”

He has spent time working in a high-level environment, and he is well-versed in the game.

He said, “The game has not greatly changed because he hasn’t played rugby his entire life and has only been away for 18 months.”

He appears to have gained more knowledge and skill. He used to be fairly laid-back, but he now seems much more committed.

He has probably discovered a new perspective on the game as a result.

Rees-Zammit has a trait that his Welsh rivals don’t, according to James Hook, the former Wales flyhalf.

Hook said, “He has that X-factor, that point of difference.”

You can see some of the tries he’s scored both before and after returning.

“To be fair, the back three of Wales haven’t done a lot with people like Tom Rogers, Blair Murray, and Ellis Mee, but Zammit is a little bit different, with that a little bit of class.”

Rees-Zammit played 80 minutes against Leicester, according to Bristol rugby director Pat Lam.

He is improving day by day, and what I liked most about his performance in the Leicester game was how well he physically handled the contact, Lam said.

He will have a lot of confidence because he did not find it easy.

I wasn’t sure how quickly his transition from a new team, our playstyle, and his return to rugby fitness would go. He deserves my respect.