Francis was educated at Jesus College, Oxford, where he was part of the college rugby team that won the University of Oxford inter-collegiate cup in 1920.
Francis also played for the University rugby team, winning his "Blue" in 1919.
[1][2] He won his first cap for Wales in 1919, playing at lock in a friendly against a New Zealand Services XV.
[2] He won his second cap in 1924, playing against Scotland in the Home Nations Championship.
(a club that was formed for former pupils of Reading School) is named after Francis, as is a prize awarded by Berkshire rugby referees for club hospitality.