Sale Sharks confirm signing of Welsh International

The tight-head prop signs from French side Provence on a two-year deal from the start of next season.

“I had a really good time at Exeter so I know the Prem well and I’m looking forward to playing with guys like Luke Cowan-Dickie again,” Francis said. 

“I’ve had a real adventure in France but I wanted to take the next step and after I spoke to Alex [Sanderson, director of rugby], I knew this was the right move. 

“Something really exciting is building at Sale. They play the kind of rugby I love, it’s a top four squad and I want to be a part of that.”

It’s a move that could see the 33-year-old return back to the international rugby scene, which will be a huge boost for Steve Tandy’s Wales with the 2027 Rugby World Cup on the horizon.

He will join fellow Welshmen Nicky Smith, who has also agreed to join Sale for next season from Leicester Tigers.

Sale director of rugby Sanderson said: "At his age he still wants to play at the very top level and he sees this club as a way to do that.

"Adding him and Nicky to the squad is fantastic because that's almost 140 caps of experience. On the field Tom will be brilliant, but off the field, I know that experience will really benefit our younger props like Asher and Bevan."