Ex-Maidstone fly-half gets England tour call

Former Maidstone fly-half Piers Francis has been called up by England for their tour of Argentina. Francis, 26, plays for Auckland Blues in the New Zealand Super League but qualifies for a call-up after signing a contract with Premiership Northampton Saints. England players must be playing in the Premiership to be considered and with Francis linking up with Saints for 201718, rugby bosses are satisfied. He’s been picked by coach Eddie Jones as England travel to South America for two Tests against Argentina, on June 10 and June 17. Francis was due to be playing against the British & Irish Lions for his club but will instead be making his international debut. He told the Rugby Heaven website in New Zealand: “That fixture against the Lions on June 7 is a huge match. “It was one I had made a lot of planning around with all the close family coming over. “If there was ever a good enough excuse for me to miss that then the England tour has got to be it. “It’s been a lifelong ambition. It is a little bittersweet but nevertheless I’ve always had aspirations for this. “It’s happened sooner than I genuinely anticipated but I’m hugely excited.” Francis, who started his career at Maidstone, was released by Saracens as a teenager and made the decision to try his luck in New Zealand. He said: “I definitely believe in the contribution New Zealand rugby has had on my career. “The decision for me to move at 18 to where I believe the best rugby is being played was huge in my development. “It’s a bit of an unorthodox route but one that I look back on at this time and don’t regret. “It’s got me to where I wanted to get to and now it’s time to push on again.”