Leading surgeon warns against Tomas Francis' participation in Round 4 of Six Nations

Wales’ assistant coach Gethin Jenkins has confirmed that prop Tomas Francis will be available for his side’s titanic Round 4 clash with France this weekend. 

However, Professor John Fairclough, a highly respected surgeon, has warned against Francis’ participation in the match. 

The 29 year-old Francis took a blow to the head against England in Round 3 and Prof Fairclough has dubbed his potential selection “a grave mistake”. 

 In a statement released by plater safety group Progressive Rugby, Prof Fairclough said: 

“Like any Welsh fan, I want to see Tomas Francis in the Welsh team because he is a terrific player and would be key against a very good French side. 

“But I have carefully reviewed the footage numerous times, and in my expert view it is beyond any doubt that Tomas had suffered a brain injury. 

“As someone who has taken an oath to protect life, I can’t, in all good conscience, fail to highlight that I think him playing the next game puts him at unnecessary risk of serious harm, whether that be now or in the future. 

“The serious features displayed by Francis should outweigh the results of any subsequent assessment indicating that he is sufficiently recovered in time to return for the French game.” 

“Wales may claim that he has been ‘passed fit’. For me, that would be a grave mistake.” 

Francis was seen staggering on his feet after the knock which was against the head of teammate Owen Watkin. 

“I don’t think the review has been finished yet. We will wait to see what comes of that,” Jenkins said. 

“The people in charge and the medical people will have gone through all that, and I am sure the review will see what comes of it. 

“The HIA process has been in place for a long time now, and players and staff, we all abide by it. We’ve got to back what has happened there, and if anything else comes out of it, it comes out of it. 

“The player has passed all the protocols, done his gradual return to play, ticked off all his contact boxes, and he is available for selection.”