BREAKING: Saints swoop to land former All Blacks forward Ben Franks
The 33-year-old prop joins Saints from Aviva Premiership rivals London Irish, and has also represented the Crusaders and Hurricanes in his native New Zealand.
Franks won the Rugby World Cup in 2015 with New Zealand, beating Australia in the final at Twickenham, and that was the same year he reached the Super Rugby final with the Hurricanes under Saints’ new director of Rugby, Chris Boyd.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFranks was also in the All Blacks set-up when they won the 2011 World Cup, and is well accustomed to the English game having played for Irish for the last three seasons.
“I’m delighted to be joining Saints at such an exciting junction for the club,” said Franks.
“Linking up with Chris Boyd once again was of course a big factor in this decision.
“I remember him as a gifted and hardworking coach, and I know he will be desperate to make a fast start in England as he did in Wellington with the Hurricanes.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“I still feel like I have a lot to offer in the Aviva Premiership, and having experienced the Franklin’s Gardens atmosphere first-hand, I can’t wait to run out for Northampton every week.
“Seeing the facilities at the club and looking at some of the quality players that have been brought in for next season, the ambition of Saints is clear, and I can’t wait to be a part of that.”
Franks notched up 47 caps in a seven-year international career for New Zealand, as well as twice winning the Super Rugby championship with the Crusaders in 2006 and 2008.
The Melbourne-born prop can operate on either side of the scrum, but specialises at tighthead, and has formed a fierce reputation as a set-piece operator – also turning out for the Barbarians three times.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBefore reaching first-class rugby, he played for the New Zealand Under-19 and Under-21 sides, and Saints CEO Mark Darbon admits securing the signature of a player with Franks’ experience is a big positive for Saints.
“We are absolutely delighted Ben has decided to join Saints for next season,” said Darbon.
“He is a versatile player with a proven ability at the very highest level, and I’m also certain that some of our younger props can learn a vast amount from him.”