Steve Tandy's first Wales squad includes a recall for Louis Rees-Zammit, who returns after a two-year absence.

Rees-Zammit previously won 32 caps for Wales, making his last appearance at the 2023 World Cup, before deciding to make the switch to the NFL in January 2024.

He joined the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars without playing a competitive game in the NFL before returning to rugby union earlier this year and making a try-scoring debut for Bristol Bears.

And now, he has been named in a 39-strong Wales squad, which also includes five uncapped players in James Fender, Morgan Morse, Brodie Coghlan, Danny Southworth and Louie Hennessey.

"I think we're getting a special athlete and a special mindset to go and try something new," Tandy said of Rees-Zammit.

"Most people are probably not brave enough to experience something different, and that was a big jump, so that tells you a lot about him as a person and his mentality.

"He says to me that he's definitely faster and bigger since he's come back, so that's good for us to hear. We've got to build a game where we can get him in the game more often. Not only him, but we've got lots of other exciting players."

𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙛𝙖𝙣 𝘾𝙮𝙢𝙧𝙪

Here is your -man squad for our 2025 @QuilterNations campaign #CymruAmByth | #QuilterNationsSeries

— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) October 21, 2025

Tandy has also given recalls to Rhys Carre and Callum Sheedy for their four matches in November, which comes on the back of Wales ending their 18-match winless run against Japan in July.

Jac Morgan, who featured for the British and Irish Lions over the summer, also returns to the squad, which boasts 744 caps between them.

However, there was no place for Leicester back rows Ross Moriarty and Tommy Reffell, while Tom Bowen, who has impressed with his recent performances, also missed out on a first call-up.

Tandy's first match in charge will see Wales face Argentina on November 9, with Tests against Japan, New Zealand and South Africa following that.

"It's been really exciting going through the whole process and realising how many good players we've got," said Tandy.

"There's a really good mix of some young guys coming in, mixed with some experience as well. But the overall feeling is really exciting, and I can't wait to get the boys into camp on Monday.

"It's a new time and there are some new faces in and around the playing group as well."

Wales squad in full

Forwards: Keiron Assiratti, Adam Beard, Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Ben Carter, Brodie Coghlan, Christian Coleman, Rhys Davies, Taulupe Faletau, James Fender, Archie Griffin, Dafydd Jenkins, Dewi Lake, Alex Mann, Jac Morgan, Morgan Morse, Nicky Smith, Danny Southworth, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Aaron Wainwright.

Backs: Josh Adams, Jacob Beetham, Rio Dyer, Dan Edwards, Jarrod Evans, Kieran Hardy, Joe Hawkins, Louie Hennessey, Max Llewellyn, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Blair Murray, Louis Rees-Zammit, Tom Rogers, Callum Sheedy, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Tomos Williams.