Francis originally played rugby union, but stopped due to asthma and instead concentrated on refereeing.

In the 1991 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to local government and the community.

[6] In 2005 Francis, a long time member of the New Zealand Labour Party, was expected to be selected as its candidate for Wairarapa electorate at the 2005 general election to replace the retiring Georgina Beyer.

[10] In the 1991 New Year Honours, he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to local government and the community.

[12] In the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours, Francis was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the community and conservation.