Louis Rees-Zammit says he has not settled back into rugby as quickly as he would have liked during his first year back in the sport.
The 25-year-old announced almost 12 months ago that he was returning to his original sport from American football after trying to break into the NFL.
Rees-Zammit has featured in 10 out of Wales’ 11 games played in the 2025-26 campaign, with eight starts and two replacement appearances.
The Bristol back only missed the 73-0 defeat against South Africa in November 2025 because he was ineligible as he played for an English club and the match fell outside World Rugby’s international window.
Now, after being recalled to the starting side for the final match of the campaign against the Springboks in the Nations Championship in Durban on Saturday, Rees-Zammit admits he expected a bit more from himself during the past 12 months.
“I haven’t settled in as quickly as I wanted to back into rugby,” said Rees-Zammit, who has floated between full-back and wing.
“The more games I am playing, the more confidence I’m getting.”
Rees-Zammit hopes he can make more of an impact in the 2026-27 season leading into next year’s World Cup in Australia.
“This season was a very long one and I played multiple positions,” said Rees-Zammit.
“I never quite got my feet on the ground and back running like I used to, but I’ve learned so much.
“Hopefully I can give it my all for this final game, then next year is the year that I try and make the biggest impact I can.”
Rees-Zammit says he has no regrets about his rugby return.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it,” he said. “It’s taken a bit of time to to find my feet again, but this is the sport I’ve played since I was seven.
“I’ve loved being back in this environment, in the Welsh squad playing Test games against tough opposition.
“I was out of the game for a bit so it was going to take time, but I’m feeling confident and ready to finish the season strongly.”
