Louis Rees-Zammit returns as Tandy names first Wales squad
Louis Rees-Zammit last played for Wales at the 2023 Rugby World Cup
©Photo by Michael Steele - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
Wales head coach Steve Tandy has announced a 39-man squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series, signalling the start of a new era for Welsh rugby.
The former Scotland defence coach has blended experience with emerging talent, handing opportunities to five uncapped players. Among the newcomers are Bath centre Louie Hennessey, Ospreys pair Morgan Morse and James Fender, Cardiff prop Danny Southworth, and Dragons flanker Brodie Coghlan.
Elsewhere, the headline news is that Louis Rees-Zammit has returned to the national set-up after two years away, following his attempt to pursue a career in American football.
After announcing his move to the United States in early 2024, Rees-Zammit joined the Kansas City Chiefs and later the Jacksonville Jaguars as part of his NFL venture, though he never featured in an official league game.
The 24-year-old made his rugby comeback in August, signing a one-year contract with Bristol Bears. Despite sitting out the Bears’ last two matches due to a foot injury, Tandy has selected Rees-Zammit for the November Tests against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa.
British & Irish Lions duo Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams are also involved in Tandy's plans.
Returns for “Special Talent” Rees-Zammit and “Outstanding” Carrè
One of the other big talking points from Wales’ squad announcement was the return of Saracens prop Rhys Carrè.
The 27-year-old’s inclusion required approval from the Professional Rugby Board after he left Cardiff in 2024 with just 20 caps.
“The professional rugby board has approved him to play," said Tandy. "That gives me real excitement to have him available for us to bring him into the autumn.
"I think the way he’s playing for Saracens at the minute is outstanding and I know Saracens are playing really well at the minute and he’s having huge impacts in the game. I think we’ve got some really good looseheads in Wales and it adds to that depth which is great."
On Rees-Zammit's inclusion, Tandy added: "I think he’s a special athlete and has got a special mindset as well to go and try something new. Most people are probably not brave enough to go and experience something different and that was a big jump.
"What he brings? When he spoke to me, he said he’s definitely faster and a bit bigger since he’s come back, so that’s good news for us!”
Creating an Identity and Building Connections
Tandy shared his vision for Wales ahead of his first four games in charge: “You want an absolute level of performance.
“I think the exciting part for Monday is we’ve got an idea of how we want to play, but it is about immersing that with the players and then off the back of the campaign, we’d love to be sitting here talking to you guys [the media], and you guys seeing that’s how Wales want to play and how they want to go after the game and future."
Former Lock Announces Retirement
Before Tandy named his squad, it was announced that second row Will Rowlands had retired from international rugby after winning 41 caps and scoring three tries.
Rowlands was part of Wales’ Six Nations-winning campaign of 2021 and was named Wales Men’s Player of the Year in 2022.
Tandy spoke about the Racing 92 lock in a video posted on social media: "Will has been an amazing servant to the game, for Welsh rugby, an outstanding player and a great human being.
"Obviously, it’s disappointing for us to lose a player of that quality, but totally understand his circumstances and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Squad Depth and November Prospects
Wales face a few concerns in terms of depth, particularly at centre and tighthead prop. Fly-half is another area of interest, with returning Jarrod Evans and Callum Sheedy named alongside Dan Edwards.
Notable omissions include teenager Tom Bowen, who has impressed for Cardiff in the URC, as well as Keelan Giles and Cam Winnett, both sidelined through injury.
Supporters would hope for a victory against Japan in November, a competitive showing against Argentina in the opener, followed by respectable results against New Zealand and South Africa. If that were to happen, it could make for an encouraging start to Tandy’s tenure.
Wales squad
Forwards
Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff), Adam Beard (Montpellier), Liam Belcher (Cardiff), Rhys Carre (Saracens), Ben Carter (Dragons), Brodie Coghlan (Dragons), Christian Coleman (Dragons), Rhys Davies (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff), James Fender (Ospreys), Archie Griffin (Bath), Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs), Dewi Lake (Ospreys), Alex Mann (Cardiff), Jac Morgan (Ospreys), Morgan Morse (Ospreys), Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers), Danny Southworth (Cardiff), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Freddie Thomas (Gloucester), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons).
Backs
Josh Adams (Cardiff), Jacob Beetham (Cardiff), Rio Dyer (Dragons), Dan Edwards (Ospreys), Jarrod Evans (Harlequins), Kieran Hardy (Ospreys), Joe Hawkins (Scarlets), Louie Hennessey (Bath), Max Llewellyn (Gloucester), Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys), Blair Murray (Scarlets), Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears), Tom Rogers (Scarlets), Callum Sheedy (Cardiff), Ben Thomas (Cardiff), Nick Tompkins (Saracens), Tomos Williams (Gloucester).
.jpg "Callum Sheedy has been dubbed the 'assist king' for Cardiff this season")
