Bath fancy a crack at Franks

LONDON IRISH prop Ben Franks is attracting interest from Bath despite being under contract to the Championship side next season.

Franks opted to stay with the Exiles despite their relegation from the Premiership.

The 32-year-old two-time World Cup winner spent three years playing under Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder at the Crusaders before moving onto the Hurricanes.

Franks, whose younger brother Owen is being touted for a move to Europe next year, will have one more year left on his contract at the start of next season.

Blackadder is keen to strengthen his front row next summer and Bath were linked with Franks last year before he committed himself to the Exiles.