Louis Rees-Zammit made his long awaited return last night, and marked the occasion with a fantastic try against Harlequins. Making his comeback for Gloucester Rugby after eight weeks away, the Welsh winger is expecting a call-up to Gatland’s squad ahead of the England game next weekend.
Rees-Zammit played for just over half an hour, in an off-the-bench appearance at Kingsholm. The 22-year-old received a resounding ovation when he returned to the pitch. Rees-Zammit then sent the Shed into a frenzy, with the match-winning try with just four minutes left of the match.
Running on at his breath-taking pace, Rees-Zammit received the offload from Santiago Carreras, and was through to score Gloucester’s bonus point try. This took the match out of sight for Harlequins, who responded with a last-ditched yet consolation try, to take away a losing bonus point.
The winger was a few blades of grass away from marking his return with a sensational solo try. Exploding along the left wing, Rees-Zammit brushed off the tackle of Cadan Murley, stepped passed Nick David, yet grazed the touchline on his way through to score, when tackled into touch by Tommaso Allan.
Rees-Zammit has certainly proven his match fitness, and will likely be in the plans of Gatland for the remainder of the Six Nations. Gatland is no stranger to Rees-Zammit’s talents, as he selected the flying Welshman for the latest Lions Tour to South Africa. On that tour Rees-Zammit scored against the Emirates Lions, Cell C Sharks, and DHL Stormers.