New Zealand international Owen Franks is desperate to prove his worth in England after agreeing a move to Northampton. The 31-year-old, who will link up with older brother Ben at Franklin’s Gardens, will officially complete the move from Crusaders in the summer.
He is the most-capped prop in New Zealand’s history, having made 105 Test appearances, and will add a vast amount of experience to the Premiership side.
Franks told the club’s official website: “I’ve always taken a keen interest in northern hemisphere rugby so I’m looking forward to coming to the UK and proving myself.
“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 Premiership.”
Director of rugby Chris Boyd is delighted to have agreed a deal for the two-time World Cup winner. “He’s looking for a new challenge and obviously with Ben here, the attraction of playing with his brother and finishing his career with Ben was a big factor for him,” Boyd told BBC Radio Northampton.
“You ask any All Black who the most professional All Black has been in the last decade, 100% of those people would say Owen Franks – his attention to detail around his preparation, the way he plays the game, he’s just meticulous.”
