From school games to a first Wales start, Louis Rees-Zammit’s whirlwind journey is only just getting started.
The 19-year-old wing is set to appear from the start of a match on the international stage for the very first time against Georgia in the Autumn Nations Cup today, capping a phenomenal rise over the last 12 months.
From playing for his school side and Gloucester’s under-18s just a year ago, Rees-Zammit became Gloucester’s youngest ever player in the Premiership last December and has been electric in the competition ever since.
Having made his international debut off the bench against France last month the Penarth-born wonder cannot wait to continue his rapid rise to the top for Wayne Pivac’s side at Parc y Scarlets.
“It’s all come so quick,” Rees-Zammit said.
“Last year I was in the Under-18’s, playing for my school, playing for my college, and now I’m starting for the Welsh national team. It’s amazing and I can’t wait to play this weekend.
“I just try and work hard on the training field, put my hand up for selection, and thankfully I have this weekend.
“I am so excited for this weekend and obviously I’ll be thinking of my family because without them I probably wouldn’t be here today.
“I’m really looking forward to it and I’m just trying to make my family proud. My uncle Paul is very excited for me.
“I’ve spoken to him a few times and he’s said ‘Go and enjoy it’ so that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Rees-Zammit forms part of a fresh-looking Wales line-up which also features flanker James Botham, grandson of England cricket legend Sir Ian, Kieran Hardy and Johnny Williams.
With a chance to stake their claims for more permanent positions in the Wales outfit, Rees-Zammit is excited at what this young side could produce against Georgia and beyond.
He added: “I’m very excited. It should be a good game.
“There are a lot of young boys playing this weekend so it’s a big opportunity for us to put our name on the team sheet for next week or the following weeks coming up. We’re really excited.
“I’ve had a couple of injuries – shin splints which unfortunately didn’t allow me to play the last few games – but we’ve trained really well this week so I’m back up for selection and luckily got the start this week.”
