Six Nations: Louis Rees-Zammit named at full-back for Wales’ opener against England – reaction

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Tomas Francis will win his 78th cap off the bench for Wales.

The 33-year-old has not played international rugby since the 2023 World Cup quarter-final defeat by Argentina in Marseille.

Wales have struggled to fill the tight-head prop void left by Francis, who has played 77 internationals, won Six Nations titles in 2019 and 2021, and featured in the World Cups of 2015, 2019 and 2023.

After leaving Ospreys in 2023, Francis will arrive at Sale Sharks from the French second division team Provence for the start of the 2026-27 season.

Francis, who will aim to play in a fourth World Cup next year in Australia, backs up Bath’s Archie Griffin at Twickenham with Sam Wainwright the other tight-head prop in the squad.