Saints farewell interview: Ben Franks

Ben Franks feels like he's gone full circle as he says goodbye to Saints and pulls the curtain down on his playing career.
Ben Franks said goodbye to life at Saints last weekBen Franks said goodbye to life at Saints last week
Ben Franks said goodbye to life at Saints last week

The 36-year-old prop has enjoyed a stellar journey, winning two World Cups with New Zealand and two Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders.

The Christchurch-based team was where it all started for Franks, but he will finish at Saints, who he feels are very similar to his first club.

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"I've really enjoyed my time here in Northampton," Franks said.

"It's been a great club to finish with.

"From the moment I got here it just reminded me of Canterbury, where I first started.

"It's a rugby town and you get a rugby feel, especially with the crowds that come to Franklin's Gardens.

"I started with Canterbury and finished with Northampton and they both felt similar.

"It's a special way to finish."

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Although it is a special club to conclude his career at, Franks would love to have been able to wave goodbye in front of a full house at the Gardens.

The recent Covid-19 pandemic has robbed him of that chance, but the front row forward is remaining upbeat.

"It (playing professional rugby) was a dream come true, what I'd always wanted to do," Franks said.

"A lot of the time when you're in rugby you never really look back because there's always something going forward but over this time we've been in lockdown, it's been a good chance for reflection.

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"I feel very fortunate for the opportunities I've had, the people I've met, my team-mates I've played with, the teams I've been able to represent.

"There are a lot of fond memories there and everyone keeps saying 'it's not the way you want it to end', but I've done a lot and I've got a lot more to be thankful for.

"It all has to end at some stage, but I was lucky it ended at a good club and I'm looking forward to the future."

Franks made 39 appearances for Saints and he will now move to Scarlets, where he is taking up the role of scrum coach.

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He will certainly bring plenty of knowledge to the position, having amassed 47 caps for New Zealand as well as playing for Crusaders, London Irish and Saints.

And Franks, who arrived in Northampton in 2018, said: "When you're a kid and you set a dream of playing, in New Zealand it's all about playing for the All Blacks.

"And then when you get that opportunity and that chance to play, the games are never enough, you always want to play more and more.

"You'd play forever if you could, but it's not the way it goes.

"I've just got so much to look back on and be proud of.

"The journey is something I look back on as proud moments because there are a lot of good times and a lot of tough times.

"It's what makes the World Cups and the other bits so special."

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