FORMER Malton & Norton RUFC prop Tom Francis suffered an agonising exit from the rugby union World Cup in Japan today.
The 27-year-old Ampleforth School old boy was forced off the field injured in the first half as his Wales side lost 19-16 to South Africa in Yokohama.
Burythorpe-born Francis, who qualifies for Wales through his grandmother, was joined on the injured list by winger George North as the Springboks booked their place in next Saturday's final against England.
The Welsh resistance was broken by fly-half Handre Pollard's match-winning penalty four minutes from time.
Pollard kicked 14 points and centre Damian de Allende scored a try, with their opponents replying through wing Josh Adams' Wales record-equalling sixth try in one World Cup, three Dan Biggar penalties and a Leigh Halfpenny conversion.
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