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Louis Reis-Zammit Admitted it felt strange to be back training with him wales But Riyasat 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 had a spell with the Kansas City Chiefs and jacksonville jaguarsHowever, he did not play a competitive game in the NFL before signing for Bristol in August.
“It feels amazing to be back in rugby,” he said. “I went there and tried it but I’m really happy to be back.
“It’s great to see all the boys again and there’s a new coaching staff, which is great. All the boys are loving it and we’re ready to get going.
“It’s the first time I’ve been on this ground for 18 months and it feels strange. It’s great to see so many fans supporting us because it means a lot to us.”
Rees-Zammit was with the national team at an open training session at the Principality Stadium on Wednesday, ahead of the upcoming Autumn Nations Series international matches. argentinaJapan, New Zealand and South Africa.
He trained away from the main group as he recovered from a toe injury suffered while playing for Bristol earlier this month, but is optimistic of being fit to play in the first match against the Pumas on 9 November.
“My leg is feeling really good,” Wing said. “I’ve been running the last few days trying to get it ready for next week but it’s looking positive.”
According to former Gloucester teammate Freddie Thomas, Rees-Zammit has brought much-needed “confidence and the X factor” to Wales.
“I was at the Gloucester Academy with them, so it’s always good to have an old friend back in the group,” Thomas said.
“He’s definitely bigger, he’s got a lot more weight in terms of muscle, but he’s still got pace so I think you’ll see in the contact area that he’s more powerful.
“With all the NFL stuff with catching those high balls, you have to think he’s gotten better at that too, because obviously that’s what you need to do as a wide receiver in the NFL.
“I haven’t seen him train yet, but I’m sure he’s probably fast. It’s a dangerous proposition for us, so hopefully we can get used to it.
“He’s an incredible player and definitely not shy.
“They have that confidence and the
Gloucester-born Thomas made his Wales debut against South Africa last autumn after being capped by England at under-18 and under-20 level.
He was part of the team that ended Wales’ losing streak in Japan in the summer after 18 matches and 644 days – admitting that the players were in a “dark place”.
“The pressure was on, so it was good to wipe that slate clean and put it behind us,” said Thomas, who can operate as a lock forward or as a back-row six.
“I could only go last year but compared to that, the training has been really positive.
“I think there is a real energy around the group, the quality has been better.
“It feels completely different from last year, like a full stop to our previous era and really moving forward to continue building as a team.”