The short version
- Tomas Francis has returned to the Wales squad after a two-and-a-half-year break from international duty, earning his 83rd cap in a recent victory over Japan.
- The 34-year-old prop is targeting selection for the 2027 World Cup in Australia, which would make him one of only six Welsh players to compete in four global tournaments.
- Wales faces New Zealand next, attempting to break a 34-match losing streak against the All Blacks that dates back to 1953, with Francis emphasizing the need for improved performance standards.
Tomas Francis has returned to the Wales rugby squad after a significant absence from international competition, marking his comeback with an appearance off the bench in a recent match against Japan. The 34-year-old prop earned his 83rd cap during the victory in Cardiff, rejoining a team that is currently navigating a period of reconstruction and high expectations. His return signals a shift in strategy for the national side as it looks to stabilize its forward pack and build momentum ahead of future global tournaments.
Francis stepped away from international rugby following the 2023 World Cup, citing a desire to spend more time with his young family after two intense World Cup cycles. He joined Provence in France’s Pro D2 league during this hiatus, which lasted approximately two and a half years. During that period, Wales struggled significantly, suffering a record 18 consecutive Test defeats and losing 21 of 23 internationals between late 2023 and early 2026. Francis noted that his absence allowed the coaching staff to explore other options, but he remained available should the team need his experience.
The prop’s path back to the national jersey began with a return for this year’s Six Nations tournament. Initially used as a replacement in an opening defeat against England, Francis eventually secured the number three shirt for four subsequent matches, including a final victory over Italy. After the Six Nations, he took a summer break while transitioning from France to Manchester, where he signed with Sale Sharks in England. He described the environment at Sale as different from the French second division, noting the presence of world-class players and exciting young talent, though results have yet to fully materialize for his new club.
Now back in the Wales setup for the November campaign, Francis is focused on a historic milestone: playing in a fourth Rugby World Cup. If selected for the 2027 tournament in Australia, he would join an exclusive group of Welsh players who have achieved this feat, including Gareth Thomas, Stephen Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Alun Wyn Jones, and George North. Francis admitted that when he made his debut against Ireland in August 2015, the idea of competing in four World Cups seemed unimaginable. He emphasized that staying competitive and improving consistently has been his primary focus, with the prospect of a fourth tournament serving as a motivating factor rather than a long-term plan.
Despite the recent win over Japan, Francis indicated that the team’s reaction was subdued compared to previous victories. The players recognized that they had not performed at their desired level, leaving points on the field and failing to deliver a dominant display. This sober assessment reflects a broader desire within the squad to elevate their standards rather than simply securing wins. Francis highlighted that the team is now focused on continuous improvement and understanding how to raise their performance in upcoming fixtures.
The immediate challenge for Wales is an upcoming match against New Zealand, a fixture that carries significant historical weight. Wales has not defeated the All Blacks since 1953, resulting in a losing streak of 34 matches. Francis recalled watching Wales play New Zealand last year while he was in France, noting that the atmosphere and intensity of the game gave him goosebumps. He believes that these high-stakes encounters are what draw him back to international rugby, providing a platform for meaningful competition and national pride.
Francis also emphasized the importance of fan engagement at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. He noted that the team actively discusses ways to involve the crowd, whether through set-piece penalties or dynamic breaks by players like Louis Rees-Zammit or Blair Murray. The electricity generated by supporters with the roof closed can significantly boost player morale and performance. Francis views the stadium as one of the best in the world when the fans are fully engaged, creating an environment that pushes the team to excel.
As Francis approaches what may be the twilight of his international career, he continues to rely on pre-match nerves as a driving force. He stated that feeling those butterflies on game day is essential, and losing that sensation would signal it is time to retire. For now, however, he remains committed to contributing to Wales’ rebuilding efforts, leveraging his experience to help the team navigate its current challenges and prepare for future global competitions.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Wales prop Francis targets fourth World Cup
