Wales have welcomed back winger Louis Rees-Zammit to their international fold following a two-year hiatus during which he pursued an ultimately fruitless career in American football.
The 24-year-old speedster, who earned his most recent cap for Wales during the 2023 World Cup, has been selected in new head coach Steve Tandy's inaugural squad for the forthcoming Autumn Nations Series.
Rees-Zammit departed rugby union in January 2024 to chase his NFL ambitions, securing contracts with both the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars.
However, his American dream failed to materialise as he never featured in a competitive NFL match throughout his 18-month stint across the Atlantic.
Louis Rees-Zammit signed for Jacksonville Jaguars but never made an appearance
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The British and Irish Lions winger abandoned his rugby career to pursue gridiron glory, initially joining the Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs before subsequently moving to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Despite securing contracts with both franchises during his time in America, Rees-Zammit's NFL aspirations remained unfulfilled as he failed to take the field in any official matches.
His American football venture spanned 18 months, during which the Welsh international attempted to transition from rugby union to the vastly different sporting landscape of the NFL.
The 32-cap Wales international's inability to break through into competitive action ultimately led to his decision to return to familiar territory in rugby union.
Rees-Zammit made his rugby comeback in August when he penned a season-long contract with Bristol Bears, marking his return to the sport after his American adventure.
Louis Rees-Zammit last played for Wales at the World Cup in 2023
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The flying winger announced his arrival at the Gallagher Premiership club in style, crossing for a try on his debut for the Bears.
Despite being sidelined for Bristol's previous two fixtures due to a foot problem, Tandy has demonstrated faith in the 24-year-old by naming him in the 39-player group.
The squad will face Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa during November's international window, with players scheduled to assemble for camp on Monday.
Tandy expressed enthusiasm about his maiden squad selection, stating: "It's been really exciting going through the whole process and realising how many good players we've got."
The former Scotland defence coach, who departed his role after six years to succeed Warren Gatland in February, added: "There's a really good mix of some young guys coming in, mixed with some experience as well."
Wales head coach Steve Tandy has welcomed back Louis Rees-Zammit
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The squad features five uncapped players including Ospreys duo James Fender and Morgan Morse, Dragons hooker Brodie Coghlan, Cardiff prop Danny Southworth and Bath centre Louie Hennessey.
British and Irish Lions flanker Jac Morgan will captain the 744-cap squad, whilst notable omissions include Cardiff's promising teenager Tom Bowen and veteran Ospreys back-rower Ross Moriarty.