Recalled Francis relishing chance to help Wales

Recalled prop Tomas Francis says it was “tough” witnessing Wales’ rapid decline while he was in the international wildnerness.

Francis played in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final loss to Argentina, and prior to his comeback against England last weekend, could only watch as Wales fell to 21 defeats in 23 Tests.

“It’s never nice seeing your mates going through that and not being able to help,” the tight-head said.

“I have a chance now to try and come back and help.

Francis left Ospreys to join French Pro D2 side Provence after the World Cup and was not called upon for Wales duty until this year’s Six Nations.

And despite all the turmoil in Welsh rugby, Francis says it is great being back in the fold.

“I’ve missed it, it’s awesome to be back,” he said.

“It’s still a bit surreal, the first week was taking it all in, but I’ve found my feet and the boys have got stuck into me a bit more this week.

Former Exeter prop Francis will return to the English Premiership next season having signed for Sale and at 33, he still believes he has plenty to offer club and country.

“If I didn’t think that, I wouldn’t be here. If I didn’t have that fire, I wouldn’t be here,” he said.

“The day those game-day nerves go, then it’s time to walk away. I definitely had them last week and hopefully I get a chance to have them again this week [against France].

And for Francis, it will be a special moment as his two young daughters will be watching in Cardiff.

He said: “My girls are flying over tomorrow for their first game. It’s why I play, it’s family and to be able to come back and for them to be able to watch, it’s amazing.”

Francis knows the challenge France will bring better than most and says Wales cannot afford to be slow out of the blocks again this week or they will be punished.

“[We’ve] just got to attack it from first whistle. The French team can score from anywhere,” he said.

Ticket sales for Sunday’s match at the Principality have been slower on the uptake compared to previous years, while the Welsh regions struggle to attract regular big crowds.

It is a stark contrast to French rugby, with Francis saying Provence, a second tier French side, have enjoyed “two-and-a-half years of sell-outs”.

“It’s more of an entertainment in France,” he explained.

“They serve oysters on the side of the pitch, they have champagne. There’s a party in the bodega after and the rugby matches that.

“That French rugby model of a domestic league is great, hopefully something we can try and emulate here.”

But first Wales must put on a better show, having barely fired a shot against England at Allianz Stadium.

“You never go out there to have a bad game or to put the game we put on last week,” added Francis.

“We want to put on a show that we’re proud of firstly as a team, that our families are proud of and the Welsh public.