'Let's make history' - Francis

By Mark Stevens
19/5/2016

Tomas Francis insists he wants to be part of history as Exeter Chiefs look to secure themselves a first-ever appearance in the Aviva Premiership final this Saturday (3:15pm).

The Welsh international is hoping to be part of Rob Baxter’s side for the last four visit of Wasps at a packed out Sandy Park.

Unavailable for the past eight weeks due to a suspension picked up whilst on international duty during the RBS Six Nations, the 24-year-old is fighting fit and ready to play his part as the Devon club target a trip to Twickenham.

“It’s our first-ever play-off, we’ve got a home semi-final and we’ve got a chance to make history,” said the Exeter tight-head. “Sandy Park is going to be rocking on Saturday, so it gives us every possibility.

“Wasps are a good team and have got a lot of ball players, but I think it’s going to be a day for the forwards. The boys are up for it this week and we’re going to have to be to take them on.”

Francis admits his enforced absence from action has been ‘frustrating’ - but he hopes to make up for lost time this weekend, insisting it would be a privilege if he is part of Baxter’s match-day plans.

“It was a long time and I had to get my head down and focus,” said Francis. “I had to try and use it as a positive as much as I could and get my head down in the gym and help the boys out as much as I could in training sessions.

“It was frustrating as, when the team are doing that well, you just want to be a part of it. The fact I couldn’t was frustrating, especially as what I did was completely accidental.

“It was tough to watch but it was nice to watch and it’s given me another opportunity to play at Sandy Park, as, with everything, I haven’t played here since Boxing Day.  So if I can get in the 23, then hopefully I can have another go.”

He added: “I’ve done all I can in the eight weeks. Since I’ve not had a game to play in, all I can do is, in training, do what I can and obviously the boys who’ve had the game have taken the chances.”