The Exeter tighthead has done the hard yards to reach the very top, coming through the English system with Doncaster Knights and London Scottish before settling at Sandy Park with Rob Baxter’s Chiefs.
The 23-year-old was left bemused when his efforts were going unrewarded with English selection during his younger days but when England came sniffing when it appeared Wales were interested in his talents, he had no hesitation in choosing the three feathers ahead of the red rose.
“Once Wales showed interest, England tried to get in there and stop it, but I had spoken to Gats [Gatland] and made my decision,” he said.
“I tried to get into England Counties Under-20s but they said I wasn’t fit enough. They tried to play two trial games back-to-back and apparently in the second game I was too tired.
“I have never really seen myself as an England prop, if you look at the mould they like. I have always based my game on bulk, set-piece. I was a big lad who got around. I always felt I would fit in better with the Wales set-up.
“The way Wales play the game is the same as Exeter and that is the style I enjoy playing. I was always going to go this way. It is not a case of proving people wrong. I just want to be the best prop I can be and that is going to be with Wales.”
“I always based my game on Bomb (Adam Jones). I have heard a lot of stories about him, but I’ve not met him yet.
“I base my game at set-piece and I was a big lad who got around. My game developed, and I added a bit more. I always felt I would fit in better with the Wales set-up.
“From when I started playing professional rugby, which was quite late at 19, from then I never really looked at England that much. The way Wales play their rugby is the same as Exeter. That’s the game I enjoy playing.”
Francis, who qualifies for Wales through his Abercrave-born grandmother, still has to pinch himself as in the last World Cup he was playing Varsity rugby and ‘struggling to get on the bench.’
Four years on, he is now establishing himself in the Wales front row and hoping to add to his six caps against the feared Springboks.
“It will be another step in my crazy year,” he added. “It’s crazy to be sharing a dressing room and hotel room with my heroes of four years ago.
“I was a bit star-struck at my first Six Nations camp but as soon as you get into the rugby environment, they are your team-mates.
“I played against Australia last week and that was another step. This is another big occasion if I am involved this week.
“I have not stopped and thought about where I’ve come from. It has sunk in a bit more as each game has gone on. There are games I will never forget. Playing England and Australia at Twickenham in the World Cup.
“There have been some big games and hopefully there will be a few more.”
