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Wales prop Francis targets fourth World Cup
Tomas Francis says the chance to play at a fourth Rugby World Cup is a major motivation as he seeks to remain in contention for Wales. If selected for next year’s tournament in Australia, the 34-year-old would join a select group of five Welsh players to have appeared at four World Cups.
Francis made his Wales debut in 2015 and returned to international rugby this year after a 26-month break following the 2023 World Cup. He has won 83 caps, including a place in Wales’s recent 28-21 win over Japan, and now plays for Sale after spells with Ospreys and French club Provence. He says the break gave him time with his young family, while the nerves he still feels before matches continue to drive him.
In short
- Francis is targeting a fourth World Cup with Wales.
- Only five Welsh players have reached four tournaments.
- The 34-year-old has returned after a 26-month Test break.
Explained simply
Rugby union’s World Cup is an international tournament held every four years, with national teams competing for the title. Wales is one of the established sides in the sport, and its squad is selected by the national team’s coaches.
Tomas Francis is a prop, a forward who takes part in scrums, and has played 83 times for Wales since making his debut in 2015. He has also played for Ospreys, French club Provence and Sale in England.
Francis last played for Wales at the 2023 World Cup, then spent 26 months away from international rugby before returning this year. A fourth tournament appearance would put him among five Welsh players to have played in four World Cups; selection depends on his place in the squad.