New Welsh boss Steve Tandy said he cried out in shock and told his daughter to hand the phone after reading that Louis Reese Zammit had returned to Rugby Union.
Rees-Zammit has spent the past 18 months in the NFL after announcing in January 2024 that he would retire from rugby to pursue his American football dream.
The 32x capped Welsh Wing signed an active roster deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the 2025 season after becoming part of the practice squad in 2024, but Tandy is set to have the 24-year-old flyer at his disposal after announcing his rugby social media returns.
“My eldest son told me, that was a bit of a concern,” Tandy said at his first press conference as Wales head coach.
“She said, ‘Zamit is back!’ And I was like “aaaaargh.” That was how I found it.
“As a coach, you’re fantasy. Come back, you’re obviously looking at what you have. And you see what you can have.
“It’s clearly a huge boost for him, the game and the fans. That’s great.”
Tandy, the first Welshman to coach the national team for 18 years, will begin his role on September 1st.
Wales plays Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa in Cardiff in the fall — and could involve Reese Zammitt.
“You can give birth to the self that was my influence,” Tandy said of Reese Zamit’s return. “I don’t think you’ll rule out anything.
“Zammo is a huge effect and excitement when he comes back, and I think it’s great for the game.
“He left to experience something new, it is the class, and I am sure he will get into a prominent health.
“The more players we have available to represent our country, the more exciting it will make our work easier.
“The choice call will also be much more challenging in terms of choice, as the three players have already got very good backing players.”
– Steve Tandy of Wales: “Magical Wand” to fix the anguish of country rugby
-4 Springboks, several English players sign R360 deals – Report
– Andy Farrell’s return as coach of the British and Ireland Lions
Rees-Zammit says he is “interested” in his services, but his rugby future remains unknown.
“I’m over the moon and Louis is back in rugby, so he’ll give him to the national team,” said Abitiani, CEO of Welsh Rugby Union.
“The challenge we have is to start the season in September, and we can see what the different teams are doing with their pay caps and players.
“Are we trying to get in touch with Louis and find a way to make something work?
“It’s going to be great, of course. But I’m sure he has many other offers.”