Six Nations: Thomas remembers Francis relishing the opportunity to help Wales

Ticket sales for Sunday’s match in the principality have been slower compared to previous years, while Welsh regions struggle to attract large crowds on a regular basis.

It’s a stark contrast to French rugby, where Provence, a second-tier French team, has enjoyed “two-and-a-half years of sell-outs,” Francis said.

“It’s just entertainment in France,” he explained.

“They serve oysters pitchside, champagne. There’s a party in the pub afterwards and rugby matches.”

“The French rugby model of a domestic league is fantastic, and we hope we can try and replicate it here.”

But first Wales must put in a better display, having only managed a few shots against England at the Allianz Stadium.

“You never go there to have a bad game or to replay the game we had last week,” Francis added.

“We want to put on a show that we can be proud of first and foremost as a team, and that our families and the Welsh fans can be proud of.

“Everyone is working as hard as they can, and the effort is there in abundance. The coaches are in their offices until nine o’clock at night to try to help us. We hope that the situation will change and that performance and results will come.”