Globetrotter Francis has eyes trained on England

Super Rugby star Piers Francis is determined to challenge for an England fly-half spot when he returns from New Zealand later this summer.
Gravesend-born Francis, 26, failed to make the grade at Saracens as a 17-year-old, but recently signed for Northampton after impressing over two stellar years with the Auckland Blues.
His roundabout route to the top has encompassed spells at Waikato, Counties Manukau, Edinburgh and Doncaster, where he restored confidence after a serious foot injury. Now Francis is ambitious to make the most of a chance to impress at Franklin’s Gardens.
Francis, a key performer for the Blues under former All Black Tana Umaga this season, told The Rugby Paper from New Zealand: “First things first, it’s about doing well for the Blues and then Saints, but I grew up watching and admiring the England team that won the 2003 World Cup and you want to climb the ladder, so playing for England has always been my dream.
“That’s a big motivating factor for me on a day-to-day basis, to keep getting better and put myself in contention for those kind of honours. Any player that’s hungry for the game will aspire to higher honours and I’m no different.
“It’ll be tough to leave New Zealand because I’ve paved a good career here, but it’s time to make that next step.”
Under the guidance of former New Zealand centre Umaga, Francis has developed an all-round game he feels will suit Premiership rugby.
Francis explained: “Tana’s been huge in my development and he gave me an opportunity at Counties Manukau when I really needed one. I played as well as I could for him there and took my chance when he gave me another opportunity at the Blues.
“We all know the kind of player Tana was for New Zealand and he’s been great for me since day one. It’s been a tough road but I’m in a pretty good space with my rugby right now and feel I’m ready to make that move into the Premiership.
“My first pathway was potentially with Saracens, but then I was led down a different pathway in New Zealand, which has been awesome. I’ll come to the Premiership with reasonable experience now and perhaps a different edge to my game.
“They’re two different leagues, but having  played Super Rugby I think my game’s pretty well rounded to suit a team like Saints. Defensively I’m strong, my kicking game’s coming on at No.10, my distribution’s good and I enjoy running a team.
“There’s going to be a period of adaptability because of the different weather conditions, but Northampton’s a huge club, I’ll be closer to home and I’m comfortable with the decision I made. However, it’s important I finish well here first.”
Blues have serious Super Rugby play-off aspirations and, with a match against the British & Irish Lions also fast approaching this June, Francis is relishing the opportunity to showcase his playmaking qualities to Northampton’s expectant fans.
Francis said: “We’ll be the first New Zealand franchise to get a crack at the Lions, so it’s a really exciting fixture and my mum and dad are coming over. It should be a great occasion and hopefully Eden Park will be sold out.
“From a Blues perspective, it doesn’t contribute to our Super Rugby season and that’s the prime motivator right now. We’ve got big ambitions of making the play-offs and I want to leave New Zealand rugby in a positive fashion.”
NEALE HARVEY