“That’s one of the main reasons I play the game, is to try and inspire others to play the game,” he said. “Just playing the game for the love of it, just playing the way I play, exciting rugby and trying to create things. That hopefully leads to kids wanting to get involved and do the same thing. I’m just trying to play my sport and play the way I play it, entertaining fans. Rugby is such a special sport and it’s one of the most exciting sports to play. The better I can play and get fans off their seats, the better it will be.
Even before his shock departure, Rees-Zammit was recognised as one of the quickest in world rugby, recording a speed of 24.2mph against Fiji in 2021. He clocked 10.44secs over 100m and scored 61 tries in 117 appearances for Gloucester, Bristol, Wales and the British & Irish Lions. It is frightening for the opposition and thrilling for Wales to think that this could be a Rees-Zammit upgrade.
“I’m heavier, more built upper-body. I’m quicker and, terms of my weight, I’m now just over 100kgs,” Rees-Zammit said. “I’m feeling good and fast at that weight. I’m definitely heavier, faster and more explosive. A lot more physical. Both defensively and, when I have ball in hand, I feel I can have a different part of my game than what I had before, with my physicality.”
With talisman Jac Morgan missing the rest of the autumn series due to a dislocated shoulder sustained against the Pumas, Rees-Zammit’s introduction into the matchday is well-timed and it will be interesting to see if Tandy deploys him on the wing or at full-back. For his part, Rees-Zammit is simply delighted to be home.
“I previously won 32 caps and, yeah, last weekend, it felt really good to get another cap in front of all our fans,” he said. “Probably made it that extra special to be honest, being away for two years. It felt like a long time, but also felt like I left yesterday. When I got to put that jersey on and came on… well, I grew up in Cardiff, just 10 minutes away from the stadium. That why I said it’s my happy place.”
