Tomas is a Cardiff lad on his wife’s orders!

TOMAS Francis has come home to Wales to play for the Ospreys, but one of the stipulations in his new deal was that he had to live in Cardiff.

It was a condition his wife imposed when the decision was made to chase a new challenged after seven magnificent years at Exeter Chiefs.

Francis, 29, said: “My wife is from Cardiff. We agreed we would live in Cardiff to be close to her parents.

“I came straight back into training after the Premiership final when I moved to Wales. I underwent some rehab to sort out my back to ensure I could hit the ground running.”

His first steps in an Ospreys shirt were taken at Franklin’s Gardens in the friendly with Northampton Saints on Friday night. Now he is getting ready for trips to Ireland, Scotland, Italy and South Africa in the newly expanded United Rugby Championship.

“The URC is challenging and exciting, but we have a squad that should be able to compete,” he added.

“The South African teams will offer the tournament a new fan base. It should make the rugby more competitive every week.

“Reaching the play-offs is a big opportunity for us to ensure we get into the Champions Cup.”

Francis is keen to add to his 57 Welsh caps and believes there is still growth within him. He is also enjoying his new environment, despite what he has heard down the years.

“Most of my experience of the regions has come from being in camp with the players. It has been a tough few years between the WRU and the regions with them fighting it out.

“But hopefully we can all provide the brand of rugby that will encourage fans to come out and watch. “Everyone wants to get out of the house and watch something exciting and we want to get the fans back into the stadia.”