Louis Rees-Zammit’s move to full-back has been a success
When Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam declared that full-back, rather than wing, is Louis Rees-Zammit’s best position, more than a few eyebrows were raised.
The Wales flyer forged his reputation on the international stage as a devastating finisher, blessed with rare acceleration and an instinct for the try-line.
But could he prove as influential from the last line of defence? Would he withstand the aerial bombardment that defines elite Test rugby, while preserving the attacking incision that has long been his calling card?
It has been a wretched start to the Six Nations Championship for Wales, yet Rees-Zammit has emerged as the shining light for Steve Tandy’s side.
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The 25-year-old has made more metres than any other player in the Championship. He is level with four others on the defenders-beaten table and, owing to his brief stint in American football, looks increasingly assured under the high ball.
Things did not go to plan against a France side featuring Antoine Dupont last weekend, but Rees-Zammit remains convinced Wales are moving in the right direction.
He spoke to the mercurial scrum-half after the game last Sunday and exchanged a few words.
“Bristol have got Toulouse in April so he (Dupont) said ‘see you in April’,” said Rees-Zammit.
“So that’s another challenge out of international rugby. He’s a great kid, and one of the best players in the world.
“I’m really enjoying it actually. There’s probably a lot more running than club rugby.
“Whenever I can pull on that Welsh jersey, it means so much to me whether that’s on the wing or at full-back,
“But it allows me that freedom to roam around the ball and create transition off kicks and all of that kind of stuff.
“So, yeah, I’m really enjoying the full-back position.
“It’s pretty tough because I was obviously away for a couple of years when we obviously lost a fair few games.”
Following his time in the United States, Rees-Zammit has returned to a national side in freefall.
Wales sit 11th in the world rankings and have won just two of their 23 Test matches since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Heavy defeats to England and Ireland have left them staring at the prospect of a third successive Wooden Spoon, with Scotland next up at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.
Away from rugby, Rees-Zammit has been keeping an eye on his beloved Manchester United. “Loving it, mate, to be honest with you,” he said.
“Carrick’s come in and somehow the players have decided to play proper football again.
“My love for Man United is always there. I’ve been able to get to a couple of games when I haven’t been playing for the club on the weekend. The turnaround has been good for Man United.”
Just a mindset shift? “It does, yeah. You’ve just got to build on your strengths, build on all the positives that go in the game, and try and continue to do that and put on better performances the week after.”
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“I think the biggest thing is just having belief and confidence,” he added.
“We’re all picked in the national side for a reason because we’re good players.
“Everyone’s just got to keep believing, keep trusting each other. I think it’s going to take time, but I think we will turn it around.
“I fully believe that and all the players believe that as well.
“We’ve got a new coaching staff, a new group of players. I thought we had some good performances in the autumn.
“Obviously, the scoreline wasn’t going our way, but within the match, we were having a lot of wins and in little moments.
“But it’s all about building that trust for each other and that belief that we can display it for a longer period of time, not just over, kind of two, three minutes in a game, like we need to be able to put a full consistent performance for 80 minutes.
“That’s our full focus to be honest with you. We’ve got to trust the process, trust what the coaches are saying.
“Each player has got to trust each other, and I think that’s when you know you’ll see more consistent performance from us.
“But as I said, we’re trying to do that behind the scenes. It’s just about doing it on a weekend, on a Saturday, when it matters.
“We’re all we’re all working really hard, you know, staff and players, because, you know, there’s no one that wants it more than us to turn this around.
“So, yeah, we’re looking forward to Saturday. I think it’s going to be a good challenge at home again, we just got to be fully focused for a full 80 minutes.”
With another Rugby World Cup looming on the horizon, Rees-Zammit acknowledges that patience alone will not suffice. The rebuild must gather pace.
“This is not going to happen overnight, but it’s also how quickly can we do this?” he added.
“How quickly can we accelerate this process that all the coaches are trying to build of us players?
“The way we’re trying to play, the way we’re trying to defend, how we’re trying to play off a transition.
“I think all of that needs to be accelerated. Obviously, the World Cup is not too far away. We’re all building towards that. It’s been great in camp. I think all the players are still confident.
“We’re all pretty confident in the way we’re trying to play and all of those kinds of things.
“I haven’t had to cheer anyone up as such because everyone’s pretty happy.”
If Wales are to turn their fortunes around ahead of the World Cup, Rees-Zammit will be central.
The 25-year-old has shown he can carry the team through moments of doubt, and his performances at full-back hint at a confidence and dynamism Wales desperately need.
With belief, focus and consistency, he could be the spark that transforms a team in transition.