The Bristol flier is expected to pick up from where he left off just under two years ago and only three months after his NFL experiment ended.
Tandy names his squad on Tuesday afternoon for an autumn campaign that pits Wales against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa — and Rees-Zammit’s name on the list would be the best opportunity to improve sluggish ticket sales.
The 24-year-old - who was among the most explosive finishers in world rugby before crossing the Atlantic - shocked the sport when he quit in early 2024 to chase an NFL dream.
He spent 18 months training with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars but never made a competitive appearance.
Now back in rugby with Bristol Bears, he has already shown flashes of his old pace and confidence — enough to convince Wales he’s worth another shot, even though he is currently suffering from a foot injury.
Tandy, who took charge following Warren Gatland’s departure, has admitted that even his family were talking about Rees-Zammit’s return before he was.
“I actually found out from my daughter that he’d signed back in rugby,” Tandy said when he was introduced as Wales’ new head coach in the summer.
“You wouldn’t rule anything out… Zammo will be in outstanding condition, and he makes our back-three even more competitive.”
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Rees-Zammit’s comeback could provide just the lift Wales desperately need.
Tandy’s side sit 12th in the world rankings and have won only one of their past 19 Tests — a narrow summer victory over Japan that merely stopped the bleeding.
For a team searching for attacking identity, Rees-Zammit’s inclusion offers instant X-factor — speed, flair, and a proven ability to change games.
Between 2020 and 2023, he scored 14 tries in 32 caps, terrorising defences with his acceleration and finishing instincts.
Fitness remains the only concern. Rees-Zammit picked up a foot injury on his Premiership return against Saracens earlier this month, limiting his game time at Bristol.
He could feature again this weekend in a Gallagher Premiership clash with Bath — his final chance to prove match readiness.
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Rees-Zammit would return to a crowded but unsettled back-three picture.
Cardiff youngsters Tom Bowen and Jacob Beetham have impressed domestically, while Josh Adams remains a mainstay.
Tandy’s first squad is expected to blend fresh blood with familiar faces.
There could well be recalls for forwards Ross Moriarty, back from France, and Rhys Davies, who has started strongly for the Ospreys.
Cardiff’s No.10 Callum Sheedy and Sracens centre Nick Tompkins have both made strong cases for comebacks, while uncapped Ospreys No.8 Morgan Morse is long overdue a call up.
Tandy is expected to rebuild Wales’ pack around experience, leadership and set-piece quality.
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Dafydd Jenkins and Adam Beard are poised to return after missing the summer tour — Jenkins following surgery and Beard after a well-earned rest — and both offer the physical steel and line-out control that Wales have badly lacked.
Jenkins’ maturity belies his age, and his presence alongside Beard, who has passed 50 caps and toured with the Lions, should give Tandy’s squad much needed authority.
Will Rowlands, now 34, remains available, while Freddie Thomas is an emerging option.
Wales coach Steve Tandy. Pic: Alamy
There may also be space for summer tourists Ben Carter and James Ratti, who both toured with Wales to Japan, where the losing sequence was finally ended in the second Test.
Carter’s opportunities were curtailed by injury in July, while Ratti offers workrate and versatility.
Tandy’s first squad announcement, set for 1.00pm on Tuesday, will reveal just how bold he intends to be.
