This post was originally published on this site.
The 77-cap tighthead has not played for Wales since the 2023 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina
Tomas Francis could soon be playing for Wales again(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
Wales prop Tomas Francis is set to join Sale Sharks in a move that could revive his Test career, according to reports.
The 33-year-old has not played for Wales since joining French Pro D2 club Provence on a three-year deal back in 2023, with the last of his 77 Test caps coming against Argentina in that year’s World Cup quarter-final. However, the tighthead never actually retired from international rugby.
Instead, his exile from the national team has been down to focusing on spending time with his family in France.
A move back to the Gallagher Prem – with Francis having previously played for Exeter – should put Francis back in the Wales picture, were Steve Tandy to want the experienced prop.
Daily Mail are reporting that Sale have agreed a deal for Francis, meaning they could have two Wales internationals in their front-row next season – having already signed Nicky Smith from Leicester.
Prior to his move to France, Francis had been the cornerstone of Wales’ scrum since making his debut ahead of the 2015 World Cup – winning Six Nations titles in 2019 and 2021.
In recent seasons, Keiron Assiratti and Archie Griffin have emerged as Wales’ tighthead options.
Francis has been open about his desire to play for Wales again, explaining previously that he would “put his hand up” in the future once his time in France was done.
“I’ve been open with Wales,” he told RugbyPass in 2024. “I’ve never retired from Test rugby and I never will retire, but I’ve moved my family to France and I want to spend my time with them while I’m here. If I’m going back to Wales to play, then they’d be stuck in France on their own for weeks on end and that wouldn’t be fair.
“When I came out here, I just thought I needed to be with my wife and two daughters if they were to settle, and I needed to fully buy into the club and everything to do with the rugby so I could give the move my best shot.
“So that’s the position. Of course, if there was a crisis and Wales didn’t have other tightheads and needed me, then that would be something to think about, but I don’t expect that to happen as they are developing some youngsters, and I’m not sure Wales want it to happen, anyway.
“The way things stand I’m going to see out my contract with my full focus on the club. After that, who knows?
“Wales are trying to develop depth and I think they are right to do so. Me and ‘Dils’ (Dillon Lewis) started the majority of matches at tighthead after 2015.
“I miss it, of course I do, and I want to play, but being away from international rugby and just focusing on the club scene has refreshed my body.
“I think I’ll have a few years left in me when I finish this contract, and if I’m still good enough and Wales need me, I’ll be there. I’ll put my hand up.”
