Louis Rees-Zammit admits it felt strange returning to training with Wales at the Principality Stadium as he prepares for his return to international rugby.
The 24-year-old could make his first appearance for Wales for two years next month after switching to American football.
Rees-Zammit spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, but had not played an official game in the NFL before signing with Bristol in August.
Rees-Zammit said: “It feels great to be back playing rugby. I went out and tried it out and I’m really happy to be back.”
“It’s great to see the players again and we’ve got a new coaching staff, which is great. All the players love this game and we’re ready to get into it.”
“It’s the first time I’ve been on this field in 18 months and it’s a strange feeling. It’s great to see so many fans supporting us because it means so much to us.”
Rees-Zammit took part in an open training session with the national team at Principality Stadium on Wednesday ahead of the Autumn Nations Series international matches against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.
He has been training away from the main group as he recovers from a toe injury sustained while playing in Bristol earlier this month, but is optimistic he will be fit to face Pumas in their first match on November 9.
“My legs are feeling really good,” Rees-Zammit said. “I’ve been running the last few days and trying to get ready for next week, but I’m feeling good.”
Former Gloucester team-mate Freddie Thomas said Rees-Zammit brought Wales the “confidence and X-factor” they needed.
“I was at Gloucester Academy with him so it’s always nice to have an old friend back in the group,” Thomas said.
“He’s definitely bigger, he’s got a lot more muscle mass, but he still has speed, so I think you’ll see he’s more powerful in the contact area.
“Guys in the NFL are used to catching high balls, so you’d think he’d be good at that, too, because obviously that’s what you’re supposed to do as a wide receiver in the NFL.”
“I haven’t seen him train yet, but I’m sure he’s probably faster. It’s a risky proposition for us, so hopefully we can take advantage of it.”
“He’s an unbelievable player and he’s never shy. He’s confident and has that X-factor that we need, because there was a time last year when we were probably a quiet group and we didn’t have a lot of guys ready to speak up in meetings and call each other out.”
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Gloucester-born Thomas earned caps for England at Under-18 and Under-20 level before making his Wales debut against South Africa last autumn.
He was part of the team that ended Wales’ losing streak in Japan in the summer after 18 games and 644 days, and admitted the players were in a “dark situation”.
“The pressure was going up, so it was nice to be able to clean that slate and put it behind us,” said Thomas, who can operate as a lock forward or as a back-row six.
“I can only continue with last year, but compared to that, training has been really positive. I feel like there is real energy around the group and the quality is getting better.”
“It feels completely different than last year. It feels like the last era is completely over and we’re really moving forward to continue to grow as a team.”