[2] Jack Meggins, a local headmaster from Talbot Green, saw potential in Rees and recommended him in writing to invitational team Crawshays.
In 1926, Rees was playing for Welsh exile team London Welsh, and after an excellent victory against Cross Keys at Blackheath on 6 March, Rees along with teammates Windsor Lewis and Wick Powell, was selected to face Ireland as part of the 1926 Five Nations Championship.
The Wales team were victorious over Ireland, robbing the Irish of both the Triple Crown and Grand Slam.
Rees scored his first international points during the game with a single conversion, and at the end of the match, the three London Welsh players were carried from the pitch shoulder-high.
In 1928 while only 23, Rees decide to switch to the professional league code, and 'Went North', joining Oldham RLFC.
Rees had an eleven-year career with Oldham setting many club records, including kicking 668 goals and playing 121 consecutive first team games.