The skies were grey and the rain drove in sideways at the Vale Resort on Wednesday.
In one area of the hotel just outside Cardiff, a host of Premier League stars in Craig Bellamy’s Wales football squad were preparing for crunch upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Former Manchester United and now Leeds wing Dan James strolled through the bar. But just down the corridor, it was the country’s rugby team who had arguably the biggest name on site. After brushing shoulders with Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and Taylor Swift while in the NFL, Louis Rees-Zammit is now back in Welsh rugby.
At a time of significant struggle for the country’s national game, Rees-Zammit provides a ray of hope for Wales fans, not only with his rugby talent but also with his personality and status.
‘I’m really happy to be back,’ Rees-Zammit said. ‘I’m living my dream.’
Rees-Zammit’s bid to crack America didn’t quite come off.
Louis Rees-Zammit (left) was sent a message of support by Taylor Swift during his short time with the Kansas City chiefs
The Welsh winger was back in action for his country against Argentina last weekend
He failed to make a senior appearance for either Kansas City Chiefs or Jacksonville Jaguars. But his rugby return is good news for the player, his country and Bristol – the PREM Rugby club he is contracted to for this season.
Rees-Zammit made his 33rd Wales appearance as a replacement in their autumn-opening defeat by Argentina last Sunday. Now, he is set to start Saturday’s meeting with Japan. ‘One of the main reasons I play the game is to try and inspire others,’ said Rees-Zammit, who is happy to embrace his position as Welsh rugby’s leading light. That much became even more the case when captain and Lions flanker Jac Morgan dislocated his shoulder in the seven-try Argentina loss.
‘Rugby is such a special sport. The better I can play and get fans off their seats, the better it will be,’ Rees-Zammit said.
‘It’s a lot different in America. Those stars are global. They push their sport through their players. It’s something in rugby that isn’t done as much. We’ve got to keep trying.’
Rees-Zammit described Principality Stadium, the home of Welsh rugby, as his ‘happy place’ but the general mood surrounding the game as a whole is far from jovial.
Against a backdrop of the Welsh Rugby Union looking to cut one of its four professional teams, new Wales head coach Steve Tandy faces a difficult task to turn fortunes around.
Morgan’s injury represented disastrous news for Tandy. He will miss the rest of the November series. Welsh rugby has changed a lot since Rees-Zammit was last involved fully. His final appearance before moving to the USA came in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final loss to Argentina. Since then, Wales have won just one Test match.
‘I don’t think anyone really expected what happened, to be honest. A lot of big names left after the World Cup,’ said rapid wing Rees-Zammit, 24. ‘I didn’t really think too much about what was going to go on. It was a tough period.
Rees-Zammit, pictured in training at the Vale resort, says he is back in his happy place
‘But now is the only time we can change. I wouldn’t say there’s pressure.
‘I love putting on the jersey and trying to make a difference in games.’
Wales could certainly do with someone to weave some magic.
It is a sad reflection of how far they have fallen that they essentially need to beat Japan to seal a place in World Rugby’s top 12 for the 2027 World Cup draw which will take place on December 3.
‘I did really miss being able to play at the Principality in front of our fans. It was incredible,’ Rees-Zammit said.
‘I’m fit and ready to go this weekend.’
Rees-Zammit was only on the bench for Argentina after just two Premiership games for Bristol due to a toe injury. But when firing at 100 per cent, he is a certain starter for Tandy.
Rees-Zammit’s time in the NFL has changed him physically in ways he hopes can benefit him now he’s back in rugby.
‘I’m heavier. I’m more built in the upper body. I’m quicker,’ he said. ‘I’m now just over 100 kilograms. I’m feeling good and fast at that weight. I’m definitely heavier, but I’m also faster. I’m a lot more explosive. A lot more physical. Both defensively and when I have ball in hand, I feel I can have a different part of my game than what I had before with my physicality.
‘I’m trying to break through contact and get gainline on my carries, not just relying on my speed. That’ll come the more carries I get.’
Rees-Zammit is heavier and more powerful after changing his body during his time in the US
Against Argentina, Wales did show some positives.
They scored four tries and the attack showed it can be dangerous. Rees-Zammit will certainly improve that again.
But there were also two yellow cards, some soft defence and a total inability to win the aerial battle.
Wales beat Japan in the summer to end an 18-match losing streak, a game Rees-Zammit watched from Jacksonville despite the mammoth time difference. With him in the starting line-up, Wales should win this weekend.
Such a scenario would bring some much-needed cheer after months of doom and gloom.
The alternative isn’t worth contemplating for those of a Welsh persuasion.
