Welsh call up for Francis

Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis has been named in Wales' 47-man training squad ahead of the World Cup.

Signed last summer by head coach Rob Baxter from Championship outfit London Scottish, the 23-year-old forward enjoyed a stellar first year with the Devon club, featuring 26 times in all competitions, as well as making it into the BT Sport Premiership Dream Team.

Although the York-born forward also qualifies for England, who themselves had made mutterings about potential inclusion in squads, Francis has been called up three times by Wales coach Warren Gatland since arriving at Sandy Park.

And Francis will have at least one familiar face to link up with at the Welsh team base next week as winger Tom James, who is rejoining Cardiff Blues for next season, was a surprise inclusion in the squad, having last played for Wales in 2010.

"We are extremely happy with the blend of the squad in terms of the experience we are able to include as well as the young talent that has really impressed us," said Gatland.

"The easy part for the players has been done in terms of being selected, the hard work will begin from day one with a huge schedule of preparation ahead of them.

"The 47 players all have the opportunity to make that 31-man party and I'm sure they will all be eager to feature in a World Cup on these shores.

"We believe the longer we are together the better we perform and this summer of preparation will give us every opportunity to be at our best come the Rugby World Cup."