Rees-Zammit admits slow return to rugby form as Wales face South Africa

Louis Rees-Zammit has openly admitted he has not yet returned to the form that made him one of rugby’s most electrifying finishers, as he prepares to face world champions South Africa in Durban on Saturday in Wales’ final Nations Championship match of the season.

The 25-year-old was recalled to the starting XV — one of six changes to the Wales side — after being left out of last weekend’s 35-21 defeat to Argentina in San Juan. It marks the end of his first full season back in rugby following an 18-month spell in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“I haven’t settled in as quickly as I wanted to back into rugby,” Rees-Zammit said. “It’s taken a bit of time to find my feet again, but this is the sport I’ve played since I was seven. The more games I am playing, the more confidence I’m getting.”

The winger, who has also featured at full-back for both Bristol and Wales this season, acknowledged that playing multiple positions across a long campaign made consistency difficult. “I never quite got my feet on the ground and back running like I used to, but I’ve learned so much,” he added.

The numbers reflect that transition. Rees-Zammit scored 14 tries in 31 Tests before heading to the United States, but has managed only two in 10 appearances since his return and has not crossed the whiteline in his past seven internationals.

Despite that, he is looking ahead with optimism. “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,” he said.

The task on Saturday is a formidable one. South Africa have opened the Nations Championship by posting 87 points across victories over England and Scotland, while Wales arrive in Durban having won just one of their two matches so far — a home victory over Fiji before the loss to Argentina.

Rees-Zammit does have a rare positive memory to draw on in South Africa, having been part of the Wales side that won 13-12 in Bloemfontein in 2022 — the country’s first ever victory on South African soil. He acknowledged the scale of the challenge this time around, but said the squad were embracing it. “It’s going to be a big task but one we’re excited for in the last hit out of the season.”

Captain Dewi Lake has been passed fit to lead the side despite being an injury doubt throughout the week.