The latest rugby stories making headlines on Wednesday, November 11.

Wales star sets out World Cup dream after break

Wales prop Tomas Francis says the chance to play in a fourth World Cup drives him on, having returned to the international game earlier this year.

The 34-year-old had not played Test rugby for over two years following the last World Cup, having moved to French club Provence. However, having returned to the fold ahead of this year's Six Nations, the chance to reach a fourth global tournament is very much on the horizon.

Were Francis to reach Australia next year, he would join an exclusive club - with only Gareth Thomas, Stephen Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Alun Wyn Jones and George North having done it so far.

"You never think far ahead and I was happy to get one cap then," said Francis, admitting he would have laughed if you had told him he'd be heading towards a fourth World Cup in 2015. "You just keep trying to improve and stay in that competition for the jersey.

"It's a great carrot to have."

After leaving the Ospreys for France three years ago, Francis stepped away from Test rugby to focus on his new life in France with his young family.

"I think for about two-and-a half years I was away for eight nights and I had two young girls," said Francis. "As a father you can't get that time back.

"I'd given my all for two World Cup cycles, so for Welsh rugby and me, it was right to have a little time away. It gave time (for Wales) to find other options and give others games."

However, the door was never closed fully on a Test return. "I told Gats (Warren Gatland) if you need me I am around and he passed that onto Steve (Tandy)," said Francis.

"You always want that chance to put that jersey on and it's been amazing to get back out there."

Youngster called in to train with Wales

Scarlets fly-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones has been training with Wales this week.

The Wales U20s playmaker started both of the Scarlets' recent matches in South Africa, putting in back-to-back impressive performances against the Stormers and Bulls.

Having made his senior debut last season as a schoolboy, Leggatt-Jones still has plenty of time left in age-grade rugby when it comes to Wales.

But the fly-half prodigy has long been tipped as a future international - with Tandy perhaps deciding to get an early glimpse.

This isn't the first time this autumn the Wales coach has brought in some young blood as training cover.

Young Newport wing Noah Morgan, Cardiff second-row Sonny McCabe, Ospreys second-row Ben Roberts and Scarlets full-back Iori Badham were brought in during the first week of camp, while Cardiff's Lloyd Lucas and Ospreys' Cody-Ray David were present last week.

England to protect Feyi-Waboso

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tom Curry will be carefully managed between now and the World Cup as England look to give two key personnel the best possible chance of being available for the tournament.

Feyi-Waboso will miss the rest of the autumn because of an ankle injury sustained in Sunday’s 44-22 mauling of Australia, robbing England of their most dangerous attacking threat.

And British and Irish Lions flanker Curry will sit out all four Nations Championship matches at Allianz Stadium this month after aggravating a long-standing hip condition in training last week.

Both players will travel to next year’s World Cup in Australia if fit but have concerning injury records that paint an uncertain picture over their involvement.

Under the current agreement between England and the Prem clubs, head coach Steve Borthwick now has greater control over the 25 members of his elite player squad, including final say on workload and medical matters.

“The best high-performance environments have the right amount of care and the right amount of challenge,” assistant coach Sir Kevin Sinfield said.

“How Tom’s managed, looked after and supported over this next period of time will be really important for him.

“He’s still a young man and we’re a better squad when he’s around. He’s a world-class player.

“The agreement that’s in place hopefully will ensure brilliant collaboration between club and country so that Tom plays for a long, long time, and he can be at his very best when he’s in and out of camp.

“Manny’s had a run of injuries now and hopefully that can be the last one for some time. I think it’s because of the nature of how he’s put together – he’s that powerful.

“What you tend to find is players either get a load of injuries at the start of their careers or get them towards the back end.

“Hopefully we can get him fully fit for a long period of time and Exeter get to see the best of him too. Again the collaboration is going to be really important for us.”

Feyi-Waboso’s unique ability to beat defenders was on full display at Twickenham and Sinfield described his performance as “world class”, adding “he’s our Jason Robinson” in reference to the cross-code great.

Kiwi rugby star dies

Former Crusaders, Hurricanes and Newcastle player Daryl Lilley has died, aged 52.

During his career, Lilley marked himself as a utility back with a penchant for goal-kicking. His death was confirmed by New Plymouth Old Boys' Rugby Club, who paid tribute to their former player and coach on social media.

“The NPOB community sends their love and thoughts to the family, friends and loved ones of Daryl ‘Flaza’ Lilley who passed away last night,” the club said.

“He will be remembered for his legendary exploits on the field for NPOB, Taranaki and all the teams he represented.

“Daryl was a fierce competitor on the grass while being a genuinely good bugger off it.”

The New Zealand Rugby Players Association described Lilley as “a proud Taranaki man”.

“Our thoughts are with Daryl’s whānau, friends, teammates and community,” NZPA said.

Lilley played 84 times for Taranaki between 1993 and 2003, with only Kieran Crowley scoring more points for the union.

He also represented Canterbury, playing 29 matches for the Crusaders in the late 1990s - being part of their first Super 12-winning side in 1998, scoring a crucial try in their semi-final victory over the Sharks.

He then spent a couple of years with the Hurricanes, playing 26 times between 2000 and 2002.

He finished his career with a season at Newcastle, providing injury cover for Johnny Wilkinson, before a couple of years with Viadana in Italy.