Wales younger gun Louis Rees-Zammit insists he has solely proven a fraction of his expertise in his quick profession to date as he targets a World Cup debut.
The Gloucester winger has scored 9 tries in 25 Check matches and earned British and Irish Lions choice since making his debut as a teen in late 2020 however, nonetheless solely 22, he desires to take his sport to one other stage.
After a season by which he was hampered by accidents, Rees-Zammit is itching to get onto the pitch for Wales’ World Cup warm-up fixtures – dwelling and away in opposition to England earlier than a Cardiff date with South Africa – and remind everybody what he is able to.
“I really feel like I’ve acquired quite a bit to give,” he stated. “You’ve most likely solely seen a little bit bit. I’m prepared to showcase my expertise on the sector at any time when I get the prospect. I don’t suppose you’ve seen the most effective of me. I’ve acquired quite a bit more to give.”
Rees-Zammit made his identify on the wing however has additionally been seen in a 15 shirt for Wales, and he desires to develop that aspect of his sport as he takes the subsequent steps in his profession.
“I need to be versatile,” he stated. “I need to add more strings to my bow and if which means enjoying 15 as nicely then I’m prepared for it. I’ve educated at wing and full-back so wherever I get performed I’ll attempt my hardest.”
Rees-Zammit stated the most important factor he had to work on to play full-back was his defensive positioning, however he feels he has the attributes to excel within the backfield.
I don’t suppose you’ve seen the most effective of me. I’ve acquired quite a bit more to give.
Louis Rees-Zammit
“In Check rugby there are a variety of kicks and also you’ve acquired to be prepared,” he stated. “You’ve acquired to be in the suitable place on the proper time. That’s quite a bit completely different to being on the wing however in assault you get more of a licence to go and search for the ball and get more touches.
“We do have a licence and freedom on the wing as nicely however stepping up as a primary receiver from full-back I fairly take pleasure in. I’d say I get my palms on the ball more at 15.
“I’d say my kicking sport is fairly robust however clearly I do love operating with the ball. Being a menace on the counter assault can be there.”
A lot has come so quick for Rees-Zammit to date, however his dream as a boy was at all times to play in a World Cup for Wales, and this autumn’s match presents him a primary alternative.
He remembers watching the 2019 match together with his team-mates at Hartpury School, by no means imagining he could be a Wales worldwide himself a 12 months later.
“Every part has come so fast and I’ve tried driving the wave in a way,” he stated.
“I completely find it irresistible right here. I really like rugby and enjoying for Gloucester and Wales and clearly I acquired on the Lions tour as nicely which was unbelievable. That is the subsequent step and I haven’t been to a World Cup but. That may be a dream.”
The 33 gamers that make Warren Gatland’s remaining choice for France may have had to work laborious for his or her locations as Wales proceed a punishing summer time of coaching camps, spending the final week in Turkey the place temperatures have been hitting 40 levels.
Rees-Zammit described the coaching camp as “brutal” and “most likely the toughest factor I’ve ever performed bodily and mentally”, however it’s simply what he wanted to put his accidents behind him.
“My physique feels as sharp as ever,” he stated. “I really feel the most effective I’ve ever felt so I’m actually wanting ahead to these video games arising and displaying what I can do.”
