Shaun Edwards says that Wales see ' a lot of potential ' in uncapped Exeter prop Tomas Francis . The York-born tighthead qualifies for Wales through his grandmother , and he has proved an important part of Exeter 's ongoing push for Aviva Premiership play-off status this season . And the 22-year-old has now been invited to train with the Wales squad by head coach Warren Gatland as they go into the final stages of their RBS 6 Nations campaign . Exeter tighthead prop Tomas Francis ( top right ) has been called up to train with the Wales squad . 'His scrummaging is outstanding , but he is also a skilful player as well , ' Wales assistant coach and defence specialist Edwards said . 'Francis is a big kid , and I have seen him play . The scrum at Exeter has been going excellently recently , so we have brought him in . 'He is a young man who is coming from a great environment at Exeter which prides itself on hard work , and we would like to think we are a similar sort of environment . 'It 's a case of trying to get the best players playing for us , and we see a lot of potential in this lad . ' Francis , who weighs in at more than 20 stone , played Championship rugby for Doncaster and London Scottish before he was snapped up by Exeter , and he could easily push for a World Cup squad place with Wales later this year if he continues to impress . Wales coach Shaun Edwards says that Wales see ' a lot of potential ' in uncapped Exeter prop Francis . Experienced Scarlets hooker Ken Owens , meanwhile , has been called into the Six Nations squad and reported for duty at Wales ' training base on Monday . Wales , despite losing their opening Six Nations game to England , have given themselves a fighting chance of landing a third title in four years following successive away victories over Scotland and France . Reigning champions and unbeaten title favourites Ireland are next up in five days ' time , and Edwards is under no illusion how big a task will be presented by Joe Schmidt 's team . 'We have looked at our opponents , and we are coming up against the best team in Europe , the form team in Europe , ' Edwards added . The 22-year-old was invited to train with the Wales squad by head coach Warren Gatland . 'They have got two brilliant half-backs , for a start , who have got great tactical brains . 'They have a strike-runner on the outside in Tommy Bowe who maybe the best defensive winger in the northern hemisphere . He is magnificent in picking up interceptions , and we have to keep our eye on Tommy . 'The forwards are well-drilled and a cohesive unit , and play with a lot of passion and aggression , and they have got excellent coaches . 'These are the big games you get excited about , and big-time players rise to the challenge . ' Two key areas that Wales will need to perform strongly in are the lineout , where Ireland will be spearheaded by their captain Paul O'Connell , and shackling an impressive new Irish midfield combination of Jared Payne and Robbie Henshaw . Francis played Championship rugby for Doncaster and London Scottish before he was snapped up by Exeter . Edwards said : 'They ( O'Connell and Devin Toner ) are a very experienced second-row pairing . 'Having worked with Paul , he is a very wily operator and a guy who I have huge respect for . 'Our guys will have their work cut out at lineout time , but they have already been in this morning having meetings and looking at the different structures . They know we are in for a challenge in that area , and I am sure they are up for it . 'And I have been very impressed with them ( Ireland centres ) . ' I knew more about Payne , having watched Ulster more than Connacht . But Henshaw is a big physical guy , and Payne has a cutting edge on the outside . It 's important we do n't give them any space whatsoever . '
Tomas Francis has been called up to train with the Wales squad . Assistant manager rich Edwards stated he has ' a lot of potential ' having played for reading and London Scottish before returning to Exeter .