Owen Franks to join brother at Northampton Saints
One of the best props of the modern era, All Blacks and BNZ Crusaders centurion Owen Franks has announced he will be leaving New Zealand Rugby at the end of 2019.
Franks will head to English club Northampton Saints at the end of the year where he will play alongside brother Ben.
One of only 20 players to win the Rugby World Cup twice, the 31-year-old tighthead prop follows brother Ben to Franklin’s Gardens after making almost 150 appearances in the Super Rugby competition.
Since making his All Blacks debut in 2009, Franks has notched up over a century of international caps for his country, lifting the Webb Ellis Cup twice along the way – on home soil in 2011 and then at Twickenham in 2015.
“The Crusaders, All Blacks and Canterbury Rugby have been a big part of my life, and my family’s lives, for more than a decade now, and I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to live my dream in those jerseys,” Franks said.
“I’d like to thank Chris Boyd and Northampton Saints for showing faith in me and giving me this opportunity to come and play in the Gallagher Premiership,” he said.
“I’ve always taken a keen interest in northern hemisphere rugby so I’m looking forward to coming to the UK and proving myself, while the prospect of playing at Franklin’s Gardens in front of Northampton’s passionate supporters is hugely exciting for me and my family.
“New Zealand will always be home, but Northampton presents a great opportunity for me to test myself in a new rugby environment, and reconnect with family there.
One of only 20 players to win the Rugby World Cup twice, the 31-year-old tighthead prop follows brother Ben to Franklin’s Gardens after making almost 150 appearances in the Super Rugby competition.
Since making his All Blacks debut in 2009, Franks has notched up over a century of international caps for his country, lifting the Webb Ellis Cup twice along the way – on home soil in 2011 and then at Twickenham in 2015.
“While I know I’ll look back at the end of my time in New Zealand with an immense amount of pride, I still have a lot I want to achieve this year and some big goals to tick off before I leave.”
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) CEO Steve Tew has led the tributes to Franks.
“Owen set the standard for professional players in his unwavering commitment to preparation and playing the game at the highest level. While he will be with us for one more season, now is the opportunity to acknowledge everything he has done for the game.
“He was the third youngest prop to ever pull on the All Blacks jersey, a testament to his drive and dedication from an early age, and is one of just nine All Blacks centurions. It’s that consistency as well as his quiet, no-nonsense approach to the game that fans love about Owie and he will leave our shores as an All Blacks legend.
“We wish him all the best in his final season with us.”
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen added: “Owie is one of the most professional players I’ve had the privilege of coaching. The standards he sets for himself – and others – are exemplary.
“His unbelievable commitment to his preparation, on-field and gym training, diet and his game is there for all to see, and inspires others. He has done this from the first time he made the All Blacks in 2009, has continued that throughout his whole career, and his achievement in reaching 106 Tests to date reflects that.
“We wish Owen, wife Emma and their family all the very best when their new adventure starts next year.”
BNZ Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson said: “Owen is the ultimate professional. His preparation and work ethic is unparalleled, and he trains tirelessly to be the best in his position.
“He is what we hope every young prop coming through the Crusaders region aspires to be like, and we look forward to a huge 2019 season alongside him”
BNZ Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge added: “Owen is a huge part of the fabric of the Crusaders, and continues to set the standard for front rowers worldwide.
“Despite all that he has achieved, Owen remains a humble competitor, and driven to achieve more – so it comes as no surprise to us that he has decided to pursue a new rugby challenge at the end of the year.
“Fortunately, we will have one final season with Owen in 2019, but we wish him and his family all the very best for their next chapter.”
Canterbury Rugby CEO Tony Smail said: “On behalf of Canterbury Rugby, we thank Owen for his loyalty to the red and black jersey since making his debut back in 2007. We’re proud of all he has gone on to achieve in New Zealand throughout his rugby career and congratulate him on the legacy he’ll leave at every level of the game.”
Owen Frank is one of the best tighthead props in the modern era and a legend of the game.
Born in Motueka at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, he was schooled at Christchurch Boys’ High School and played his club rugby for Linwood.
An uncompromising training regime from a young age saw him develop his physical presence and rugby knowledge and he made the New Zealand Under 21 team and his provincial debut for Canterbury in 2007.
Franks went on to make his Crusaders debut in 2009 and in June that year made his All Blacks debut against Italy at the age of 21 years and 186 days, the third-youngest prop to play for the All Blacks.
He became a Super Rugby centurion in the Crusaders match against the Highlanders in 2015 and an All Blacks Test centurion in Investec Rugby Championship Test against Australia in Auckland last year.
He has started 96 of his 106 Tests to date, the second-highest number of starts by an All Blacks prop, behind former teammate Tony Woodcock. A double World Cup winner, Franks played in all seven All Blacks matches at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and six at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Comments on RugbyPass
Sorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
1 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
2 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
2 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
3 Go to commentsCorrect me if i’m wrong but the sadas have to win all games running into the finals yeh nah?
1 Go to commentsDon’t like Diamond but the maul is a joke, the sight of a choke tackle creating a maul then players in offside positions flopping on it killing the ball but then getting the put in? Banal.
3 Go to commentsHopefully Tabai Matson returns to Crusaders as head coach next season.
1 Go to commentsstorm in a teacup really. Penalty only so play on as the try was scored. Now the real question is: why was Maitland allowed to pass the ball off the floor? That is illegal but refs never pick it up.
1 Go to commentsWhen Beauden Barrett signed his contract before the 2023 RWC to play in Japan in 2024, it was NOT part of a sabbatical agreed to with NZRU prior to his signing, as was Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Barrett changed his mind after the fact and negotiated his return to NZ Rugby and he was given permission to be eligible for All Black selection straight away once he signed a new contract to return to the Blues in 2025. Therefore, why would anyone argue against Whitelock returning to the All Blacks straight away after his season is France is finished if he signs a new contract with NZRU which includes a Super Rugby contract in 2025? If Barrett can, Whitelock should be allowed too.
10 Go to commentsThe All Blacks will select 5 locks this season. Scott Robertson will most likely want to select 2 veteran locks who can start right away in 2024 and 3 young promising locks who he would like to be pushing hard for selection in the starting XV in two years time- 2026. Scott Barrett is a world class lock. Who would you rather start beside him this season against England, South Africa, Ireland, and France- Sam Whitelock or Patrick Tuipulotu? I would choose Whitelock over Tuipulotu all day, every day.
10 Go to comments