Francis making most of lockdown

The Exeter Chiefs tight head prop won his 48th cap in the World Cup semi-final against the Springboks on that day, but was forced off the field in Yokohama just before half-time with a serious shoulder injury.

An operation followed, but now the 28-year-old is almost ready to play again after missing out on the Bronze final against the All Blacks and this year’s Six Nations. The current COVID-19 crisis has put the global game on hold, but it could work to the advantage of the Exeter Chiefs front rower.

With his team sitting on top of the Gallagher Premiership, they are well placed to chase another title as and when there is a resumption of rugby. They are also scheduled to meet Northampton Saints at home in the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals.

Had the season run its natural course Francis would probably have missed out on the Chiefs’ double ambitions, but now he could end up playing a part.

“Lockdown has come as a positive for me in terms of my injury. I’m still doing my rehab, which at Exeter is tougher than playing, but I’m doing it at my own pace,” said Francis.

“The good thing is I’m getting closer and closer all the time, but I’m not missing any rugby. I’ve turned my garage into a gym and I’ve just cracked on.

“When I’m not training, I tend to go out with my girlfriend and walk our two dachshunds. I’ve also got into a bit of home cooking.”

Francis has been able to keep on top of his recovery programme with daily contact from members of the club’s S&C and medical departments via FaceTime. He has also been in touch with the Welsh medical team.

The injury and lockdown breaks have also given him time to relax and get set for a big return as he approaches the ’50 Cap Club’. He is in line to become the 48th Welsh player to reach that landmark and pick up a second cap to mark the achievement.

He is already 10th on the all-time Welsh list of props in terms of starts for his country, but has the distinction of being able to boast the best winning percentage of all of them – a 71% success rate in matches he has started and a 64% win ratio in all games in which he has been involved.

“Right now my focus is getting back to full fitness and playing for Exeter. If I don’t play for Exeter, then I don’t get picked for Wales, so when rugby resumes my first aim will be to try and get back in the Exeter team and see where it goes from there,” added Francis.

Leading Wales props statistics