Steve Tandy makes feelings clear on Louis Rees-Zammit's return to rugby
Louis Rees-Zammit is available for Wales selection this autumn
Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit
(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
Steve Tandy says the return of Louis Rees-Zammit can have a big effect on Welsh rugby and insists it will make selection a lot harder.
The 24-year-old announced his return to rugby union after an 18-month stint in the NFL and has made himself available to represent Wales once again but is a target for R360.
Rees-Zammit has electric pace and was one of the deadliest finishers in the world game before heading to the US with 14 tries in 32 appearances for Wales.
The back-three is not an area of weakness for Wales with the likes of Blair Murray, Josh Adams, Tom Rogers and Mason Grady, among others, in the frame but the return of Rees-Zammit is a big boost for Welsh rugby.
"I think you wouldn't rule anything out," said Tandy when asked whether Rees-Zammit would be included in his autumn squad.
"Zammo brings a big effect and excitement by coming back. I think it's great for the game.
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"He's gone away to experience something new, which is class. I'm sure he will be in outstanding physical condition. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
"The more players we have available to represent our country the better. That's exciting and makes our jobs easier.
"It will also make our calls on selection a lot more challenging in terms of selection as we've already got some very good back-three players. Adding Zammo into that makes it even more exciting for not only us, but the fans as well."
Rees-Zammit is not only an outstanding player but provides X-factor off the field.
The 24-year-old is potentially the poster boy Welsh rugby desperately needs and is the type of player who can attract new supporters as Tandy found out when his 14-year-old daughter told him the news.
"My oldest daughter told me. That was a bit worrying!" joked Tandy when asked how he found out Rees-Zammit was returning to rugby union.
"She said 'Zammit's coming home!' And I was like 'Aaaaaargh. Give me the phone!' That was how I found out.
"As a coach, you day dream. Coming back, you're obviously looking at what you've got. And then you look at what you could have. It's obviously a great boost for him, the game and the fans. It's great."
Rees-Zammit has not yet announced which club he will sign for but according to reports he is a significant target for rugby's new rebel league R360. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
But Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney did not rule out trying to persuade Rees-Zammit to ply his trade in Wales.
"I'm over the moon Louis Rees-Zammit is coming back to rugby because it gives us him for the national team," said Tierney.
"No 1 – that's fantastic news. The challenge we've got is we're starting the season in September.
"You can have a look at what different teams are doing with their salary caps and their players.
"Are we in touch with Louis and trying to find a way in which we can make something work? Of course it would be fantastic. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
"But I'm sure he'll have lots of other offers as well."
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