Steve Tandy can see no good reason why he shouldn’t put Louis Rees-Zammit straight back into a Wales shirt in November - even though the wing has not played rugby for 18 months.
Rees-Zammit could make an immediate return to the Wales side this autumn, with the new head coach admitting he learned of the wing’s rugby comeback in a way he will never forget.
The 24-year-old, capped 32 times, drew a line under his NFL dream after 18 months in American football.
His long-term future could include joining the rebel R360 league in 2026, but for now his focus is on finding a club – and he will be free to represent Wales when the autumn internationals begin in November.
Tandy, who officially takes over on September 1, said the news of the Gloucester flyer’s return to union reached him late at night – via his eldest daughter.
“My oldest daughter told me, that was a bit worrying,” he recalled with a grin. “She said ‘Zammit’s coming home!’ And I was like ‘Aaaaaargh. Give me the phone!’ That was how I found out.”
The former Ospreys flanker worked with Rees-Zammit during the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, when he was in charge of defence.
Now, as the man tasked with reviving Wales fortunes after a period of epic struggle, Tandy has made it clear the door is wide open for the wing to be back in red against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa this autumn.
“You wouldn’t rule anything out,” he said. “Zammo brings a big effect and excitement. It’s great for the game.
“He’s gone away to experience something new, which is class, and I’m sure he will be in outstanding physical condition.”
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Wales halted a run of 18 consecutive defeats with victory in Japan last month, meaning Tandy will start with a clean slate in November.
But competition for wing spots is already fierce. Josh Adams, Tom Rogers and Keelan Giles all featured on the summer tour, while Rio Dyer, Ellis Mee, Josh Hathaway and Mason Grady are also in the mix.
Even so, Tandy believes adding Rees-Zammit’s pace and finishing power into the conversation could be a game-changer.
“The more players we have available to represent our country the better. That’s exciting and makes our jobs easier,” he said.
“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.”
Rees-Zammit, who left Gloucester in early 2024 to pursue his American football ambitions, has confirmed there is “a load of interest” in his services, with suitors in France and Japan thought to be leading the chase.
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Bristol have also been linked, though Welsh regional sides are unlikely to match overseas financial offers.
The WRU will hope the player’s next move is compatible with national team availability, particularly given the potential boost his return could bring on and off the field.
WRU chief executive Abi Tierney described the news as “fantastic” for Wales and the sport in the country.
“I’m over the moon Louis Rees-Zammit is coming back to rugby because it gives us him for the national team. Number one, that’s fantastic news,” she said.
“The challenge we’ve got is we’re starting the season in September. You can have a look at what different teams are doing with their salary caps and their players.
“Are we in touch with Louis and trying to find a way in which we can make something work? Of course, it would be fantastic, but I’m sure he’ll have lots of other offers as well.”
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Whether Rees-Zammit’s next destination is confirmed quickly or after a prolonged negotiation, his re-emergence has clearly given Tandy a fresh attacking option to consider as he begins his reign.
As the coach put it himself: “As a coach, you daydream.
“Coming back, you’re obviously looking at what you’ve got. And then you look at what you could have. It’s obviously a great boost for him, the game and the fans. It’s great.”
