Louis Rees-Zammit has been named in the Wales squad for the autumn internationals, and Steve Tandy has revealed what was said in their first conversation
Steve Tandy has revealed what was said in his first chat with Louis Rees-Zammit after selecting the speedy winger in his Wales squad for the autumn internationals. The 24-year-old, who last year ditched rugby to chase a career in the NFL, has been called up to the national team for the first time in two years following his move to Bristol Bears.
He’ll be keen to justify his head coach’s decision when Wales go head-to-head with Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa at the Principality Stadium next month. Tandy was instantly struck by Rees-Zammit’s physical condition and mindset.
In a chat with the player, the Welshman claimed he’s both stronger and quicker than before his transition to American football. Rees-Zammit jetted off to the United States in January 2024, penning deals with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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However, he never made a competitive appearance in the NFL. Tandy, who stepped into Warren Gatland’s shoes as head coach, told WalesOnline: “Zammo, when you get someone of his quality back, I’ve had conversations with him to see where he was physically.
“The way he’s come back in, you see what he can do in the game. You saw moments from the Saracens game – the learnings he’s had from American football.
“I think he was always going to be back in the squad.”
Tandy lauded Rees-Zammit for his bold move to the NFL, asserting that the experience has honed his skills. The Wales boss added: “I think we’re getting a special athlete and a special mindset.
“Most people probably wouldn’t be brave enough to experience something so different. It was a big jump, and that tells you a lot about him as a person.
“He says to me that he’s definitely faster and bigger since he’s come back, so that’s good for us to hear. We’ve got to build a game where we can get him in the game more often.
“Not only him, but we’ve got lots of other exciting players. We feel we’ve got a lot of quality in those areas.”
Tandy, who left his role as Scotland defence coach in February to take the reins in Cardiff, spoke about the wider squad selection process. The 45-year-old said: “It’s been really exciting going through the whole process and realising how many good players we’ve got.
“We’ve got to the decision of the selection, which we are really happy with. There’s a really good mix of some young guys coming in, mixed with some experience as well.
“But the overall feeling is really exciting and I can’t wait to get the boys into camp on Monday.”