Franks could return to NZ
All Blacks prop Owen Franks has joined the post-World Cup exodus, but the Crusaders veteran could yet be back after fulfilling his three-year deal with the Northampton Saints.
Franks has been a mainstay of the All Blacks pack since 2009, playing an integral role in the national side’s backto-back World Cup triumphs and will attempt to win a third in Japan later this year.
But after 106 tests for the All Blacks, 142 appearances for the Crusaders and 18 games for Canterbury, the 31-yearold has opted to seek a new challenge at the Saints, where he will join older brother Ben Franks.
‘‘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.
‘‘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.’’
Asked whether he would finish his career in England, or consider coming home in his mid-30s to continue playing, he entertained the latter.
‘‘I don’t see why not. My mindset is I’m halfway through my career. I’m in it for the long haul, I’m going to get as much juice as I can out this body. That’s my mindset,’’ Franks said yesterday before flying to Auckland with the Crusaders for their season-opener against the Blues today.
‘‘I’d have to earn that right. You’ve seen guys come back and it’s always a pretty tough ask. That would be totally up to me. I almost feel like I’m going backwards in age.’’
While New Zealand Rugby has been left to rue the departure of younger players in the past, chief executive Steve Tew said Franks’ decision to leave was blessed, given his services to New Zealand Rugby.
Franks made his provincial debut in 2007, and went on to make his Super Rugby debut in 2009, the same year he earned his first All Blacks cap against Italy in Christchurch.
He is the third most capped Crusader of all time behind Wyatt Crockett (203) and Corey Flynn (151). He is poised to pass the 150-game milestone this season.
‘‘Owen has been a very loyal, longterm servant of the game here. He puts 100 per cent into every single second he’s involved. He’s earnt the right to go out at the time he’s chosen. He and Emma and the kids have our full blessing.
‘‘If they [players] get to a point in their career when it’s time to take on some other challenges, we say thanks and stay in touch. It sounds like he should.’’
Franks’ announcement comes in the same week that Stuff revealed loose forward Liam Squire has decided to walk away from the All Blacks following the World Cup to play his rugby in Japan.
Outside backs Ben Smith and Nehe Milner-Skudder are both leaving for France at the end of the year, while uncapped Crusaders loosie Jordan Taufua has signed with English club Leicester.
With several experienced All Blacks off-contract at the end of the season, there are bound to more that will head off shore.
All Blacks captain and No 8 Kieran Read has already declared he will probably retire from tests after the World Cup, and has been linked with a move to Japan along with fellow veteran Ryan Crotty.
New Zealand Rugby also faces a battle to hold on to key trio Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock, all of whom are yet to recommit to the All Blacks beyond 2019.
Franks is still regarded as one of the world’s best tighthead props and not only do they lose his ability on the field, the chance to mentor some of the younger front-rowers coming through will be sorely missed.
‘‘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,’’ All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.
‘‘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.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, having noted Franks ‘had a good crack’ at the Rugby Park gym records, heaped praise on Franks when asked what legacy he would leave.
‘‘Probably his fortitude. Physically we know, but probably the mental side of it, to come back from an [Achilles] injury he has,’’ Robertson said.
‘‘We saw what he was playing like [when injured]. He was wounded, he would never say it but you could see it. The capacity to dig deep and get the best out of his body and mind is phenomenal.’’