Louis Rees-Zammit’s return to the Wales starting XV is a huge boost for new head coach Steve Tandy ahead of a must-win game with Japan on Saturday.
Flying wing Rees-Zammit made his first international rugby appearance since returning from a stint playing NFL as a replacement in last weekend’s seven-try defeat by Argentina.
The 24-year-old had been recovering from a toe injury but will be in Tandy’s side from the off against Japan in Cardiff.
Wales must beat Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms to ensure they stay in the top 12 of World Rugby’s rankings and help seal an easier draw for the 2027 World Cup.
Tandy said it was ‘pretty straightforward’ to bring in Rees-Zammit, who this week said he is now faster, stronger and more explosive thanks to his time in the USA.
‘We know the quality he brings,’ Tandy added.
Louis Rees-Zammit is back in Wales’ starting line-up to take on Japan in Cardiff on Saturday
Rees-Zammit made his first Wales rugby return since 2023 in the defeat by Argentina
The whole of Welsh rugby will be looking to Rees-Zammit for inspiration, particularly with captain Jac Morgan out of the rest of the autumn with a dislocated shoulder.
Morgan was injured scoring against Argentina and requires surgery.
Dewi Lake takes over the Wales leadership for Japan, as he did in the Far East in the summer when Morgan was on Lions duty.
Wales ended a run of 18 straight defeats against Japan in July and should repeat the feat on home soil, even with Morgan absent.
‘It’s exciting. He’s been brilliant around the camp,’ Tandy said of Rees-Zammit.
‘He’s grown as a rugby player. He’s leading really well. He was brilliant last week coming off the bench. He was disappointed not to have one or two tries.
‘He can produce something. You need people who can break the game up.
‘We’re fortunate to have someone like him available to us.
‘Him starting on the weekend is not just exciting for us coaches, but the fans as well.’
Wales are without injured captain Jac Morgan for the rest of the autumn. Dewi Lake takes over
