Wales head coach Steve Tandy is "buzzing" at the current form of Louis Rees-Zammit, according to Bristol Bears boss Pat Lam, while England centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg has been stood down for two weeks after a head injury.
Rees-Zammit impressing at Bristol
Rees-Zammit has scored four tries for Bristol this season, the most of any player in the Premiership. Lam believes the winger is settling back into rugby life following his two-year stint in the NFL.
"He's in such a great place mentally and he's got a smile on his face, he's enjoying the boys and the enjoying the way we're playing and what we're trying to do," Lam said. "He's got really good mates now and that takes time for everybody. He's enjoying the way that the guys are and it's good to see him with a smile on his face and at the top of his game."
Lam added that Rees-Zammit could play a key role for Wales in the coming year. "Even talking to Steve Tandy, he's buzzing at where Louis is," Lam said. "What I do know is that he's going to feature strongly and he's in a really good confident space. The biggest thing is he's doing the work and he's another example of what I said about the whole group - they're getting evidence of the work that they're putting in."
Van Rensburg stood down after head injury
Bristol and England centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg has been stood down for the next two weeks after being knocked unconscious during Bristol's victory over Northampton Saints at Ashton Gate. His head collided with Henry Pollock's knee, prompting players from both sides to call for the referee to stop play. The match was halted for around 10 minutes before the 29-year-old was carried off on a stretcher. TNT Sports declined to show a replay of the collision due to its disturbing nature.
Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam confirmed Van Rensburg will miss Saturday's Premiership trip to Saracens and the Champions Cup meeting with the Stormers in Cape Town as he follows head injury assessment protocols. "Benhard will probably take the next three weeks off. So he'll come back from HIA protocols. It was a big knock, so he'll miss this week, the following week, and should be back for Round 4 of the PREM," Lam said. "I was pleased when they told me he needs to have at least a few weeks off. The last thing I want to do is mess around with any of the players; they've got to be completely signed off."
Van Rensburg is expected to return for Bristol's Premiership clash with Exeter Chiefs on October 24, alongside Ellis Genge, provided he completes the necessary protocols.
Cardiff star praises young players
Josh McNally says seeing Cardiff's young stars flourish has been a major factor in keeping him in the capital. Cardiff face Leinster in the United Rugby Championship on Friday night, and McNally has been impressed with the development of younger players in recent years.
"I've loved it and that's probably the reason why I'm still here," he said. "I've absolutely loved coming here, working with everyone and seeing some of the young guys developing now. Alex Mann was so young when I first got here, but to see the player he's grown into, and guys like Tommy Bowen, it's just a great young group that's coming through. I feel like every year I've come back, everyone's gotten a year older, everyone's got a bit more experience and the group is really settled now. I love being a part of it, coming to work every week, and as long as that continues I'll still be here."
Metcalfe returns to Wales squad
Nel Metcalfe believes Wales are a very different side to the one she left behind as she prepares to return to Test rugby. The 21-year-old has been included in Sean Lynn's squad for the WXV Global Series fixtures against Japan in October, having not appeared for her country since Wales' exit from Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.
Despite mixed recent results, she says there is plenty of reason to be positive. "The intensity that we bring to training now, compared to the last time I was properly involved, is so much better," she said. "Having Ash [Beck] and Steve [Salvin] full-time has made a massive difference, and I think you can see that in the way we're playing as well. The girls were brilliant in those first two games – the intent, the want to play and move the ball was really exciting to see. It's a really exciting group to be coming back into."
Having been out due to a knee injury, Metcalfe says she is now raring to go. "I'm feeling 100% fit now. I feel so much better and stronger, and it's just been really nice to be back in full training and on the same schedule as everyone else. It's been a long recovery, especially doing the same injury back to back, so it's taken a bit more time than I would have liked. But I'm in a much better place now and I'm just really excited to be back out there."
