Louis Rees-Zammit left in no doubt as phone call with Wales coach comes to light

Steve Tandy has revealed what was said in his first conversation with Louis Rees-Zammit after naming the flying winger in his Wales squad for the autumn internationals. The 24-year-old, who left rugby last year to pursue a career in the NFL, has been named in the national squad for the first time in two years following his move to Bristol Bears.

He'll be hoping to repay his head coach's faith when Wales lock horns with Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa at the Principality Stadium next month. Tandy said that he was immediately impressed by Rees-Zammit's physical condition and mentality.

During a conversation with the player, the Welshman claimed he's both bigger and faster than he was before he made the switch to American football. Rees-Zammit jetted off to the United States in January 2024, signing deals with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars.

He never made a competitive appearance in the NFL, though. Tandy, who replaced Warren Gatland 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 praised Rees-Zammit for trying to forge a career in the NFL, insisting that the experience has helped him become a better player. The Wales boss continued: "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 left his role as Scotland defence coach in February to take the reins in Cardiff. On 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."