Wales prop fears tough club versus country choice

Wales and Exeter Chiefs' prop Tomas Francis admits he will face a tough decision over his playing future at the end of his current Exeter contract.

The tighthead is just 12 caps shy of retaining his Wales eligibility under current policies, if he remains in England with the Exeter Chiefs.

Francis could fall victim to the Wales policy which states that players with fewer than 60 caps have to play for a Welsh team at the end of their current contract.

However, with rugby worldwide on ice it throws doubt over whether he will get the chance to gain the required 12 caps.

"I understand the rules and I see both sides," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"But it's tough to see why I'd have to leave the club that gave me a chance (in the Premiership). I'll have to decide when it comes, but it's going to be a tough decision which I don't want to have to make."

Although he would be certain to attract offers from Welsh sides, he is now hoping optimistically that a rearrangement of international fixtures following the coronavirus crisis might save him from the club versus country dilemma.

"They might move the summer tour to before the autumn matches, so it could work in my favour," he said.