His return comes as head coach Steve Tandy makes four changes for Saturday’s crucial autumn Test against Japan at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
The 24-year-old wing, who made a brief return to international rugby from the bench in last week’s 52-28 defeat to Argentina, is recalled to the starting XV for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
Rees-Zammit replaces Tom Rogers on the right wing and will make his 34th international appearance after returning to rugby earlier this year following a spell in the United States with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs as he attempted to forge a career in the NFL.
Since joining Bristol Bears, the electric finisher says he feels sharper and stronger than ever, describing himself as faster and more muscular than when he left rugby in 2023.
Head coach Tandy confirmed that Rees-Zammit’s showing from the bench last weekend had earned him a recall to the starting line-up.
“He played a good few minutes last weekend and we feel he's ready to return to the starting line-up,” said Tandy.
“I think we've definitely seen lots of how we want to play against Argentina. There was lots to be pleased about – our attack I thought was excellent and I saw a lot of physicality – but there's lots to improve.”
Rees-Zammit’s inclusion headlines a reshuffled Wales team that also features Olly Cracknell starting at number eight in place of injured captain Jac Morgan, who dislocated his shoulder while scoring against Argentina and will miss the rest of the autumn.
Tandy has opted to promote Alex Mann to openside flanker, with Aaron Wainwright fit again and returning to the blindside.
The head coach said he was confident the balance of the new-look back row would suit Wales’ approach.
“We feel he's got all the qualities to play six or seven,” said Tandy about Mann.
“Some of his attacking ability you've seen on the weekend and his defensive energy was outstanding.
Then bringing Olly Cracknell in at number eight and moving Aaron Wainwright to six gives us a really good balance in the back row.”
With Morgan sidelined, Dewi Lake takes over the captaincy, leading the side as he did on the summer tour to Japan.
READ MORE: Louis Rees-Zammit: “A Lot of Big Names Left After the World Cup – Now it’s Time to Change”
In the front row, Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin come in as Tandy rotates his props for the short six-day turnaround, while Rhys Carre and Keiron Assiratti move to the bench.
The remainder of the pack remains unchanged, with Dafydd Jenkins and Adam Beard forming a familiar lock pairing.
Behind the scrum, Dan Edwards and Tomos Williams continue at half-back, Ben Thomas keeps his place at inside centre despite a yellow card last weekend, and Max Llewellyn lines up at 13.
Josh Adams stays on the left wing, with Blair Murray again at full-back.
Scarlets forward Taine Plumtree and Saracens centre Nick Tompkins return to the bench after missing out against the Pumas, joining Kieran Hardy and Jarrod Evans among the replacements.
Saturday’s Test carries significant weight, with World Rugby Rankings and 2027 World Cup seeding implications.
Twelfth-placed Wales must beat Japan to stay in the second band of seeds before the draw is made in December.
Tandy, who is seeking his first win since taking charge, said his side is determined to build momentum after flashes of promise against Argentina.
READ MORE: Steve Tandy Insists Progress Will Come Despite Wales’ Humbling Record Defeat to Argentina
Japan will confirm their team on Thursday evening, while Wales’ matchday 23 includes 12 non-Welsh based players who will not be available for the final Test of the series against South Africa due to the international release window.
Wales: Blair Murray; Louis Rees-Zammit, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (capt), Archie Griffin, Dafydd Jenkins, Adam Beard, Aaron Wainwright, Alex Mann, Olly Cracknell.
Replacements: Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, Taine Plumtree, Kieran Hardy, Jarrod Evans, Nick Tompkins.
READ MORE: Steve Tandy Backs Rees-Lightning to Strike From the Bench for Wales
