Wales 'means everything' for prop Francis despite champagne, oysters in France

The 33-year-old prop joined Provence nearly three years ago and until last Saturday, when he came off the bench during a 48-7 thrashing by England in a Six Nations opener at Twickenham, had not played Test rugby since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Wales have struggled in Thomas's absence, with the England loss their 22nd defeat in 24 Test matches. But while the mood within Welsh rugby is gloomy, Thomas, set to win his 79th cap against France in Cardiff on Sunday, has been relishing his time abroad.