Louis Rees-Zammit makes international return and admits he's 'faster' and 'heavier'

Wednesday, 12 November 2025 at 21:07

byHarry Tovey

After a hiatus in American Football, Louis Rees-Zammit is back in Welsh rugby, a character amid the growing controversy; his status shines a positive light on the game in Wales.

The 24-year-old came on in Wales’ record defeat against Argentina on the weekend, and at the Vale Resort in the Vale of Glamorgan, he insisted he’s stronger, faster and bigger.

He signed for Bristol Bears back in the summer, after two years attempting to make it in the NFL. It’s perhaps the best thing to happen to Welsh rugby in some time, having the speedster back and available.

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“It was a great experience,” Rees-Zammit said after coming on minutes into the second half against Los Pumas.

“I did really miss being able to play at the Principality Stadium in front of our fans.

“It was incredible. You don’t really know you’ve left until you go back.

“When I came on and heard the crowd, all the support I had. It meant so much to me.”

The winger who’s also an option for new head coach Steve Tandy at fullback, had spells with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs.

He admits the two years he spent in the NFL has helped him with his power after not making a senior appearance with both sides.

“I’m heavier, I am more built in my upper body, I am quicker,” he added.

“I am just over 100kg and I am feeling good and fast at that weight.

“I am definitely heavier, but I am also faster.”

“There is a lot that I have brought in that I learnt out there. I am a lot more explosive, physical both defensively and ball in hand.

“I feel that I can have a different part of my game than before in terms of my physicality and trying to break through contact.

“Trying to get gain line on carries as opposed to trying to use my speed too much.

“The more carries and ball in hand that I get, the more I will be able to show that.”

When Wales hosted an open training session at Principality Stadium, Rees-Zammit was a notable absentee from the main squad as he went through several running drills behind the posts.

This was due to overcoming a toe injury which was sustained in the Bears’ contest against Saracens in October. His fourth rugby match back.

But he returns to a team which just ended their 18 straight Test defeats in the summer, but in their 52-28 loss against Argentina it extended their home losing streak to 10 matches.

“You could see glimpses last weekend of what’s to come. That was building a foundation of where we want to be and what team we want to be,” Rees-Zammit continued.

“We can do as much as we can in training, but we’ve got to show it on the weekend when all the fans have paid good money to come watch us play.

“It’s what they deserve. Everyone’s locked in on what’s next.

“Japan will be a tough game, but everyone is raring to go and is buying in 100%.

“We’re all ready.