Double World Cup-winning prop Ben Franks has revealed how former New Zealand teammate Brad Thorn persuaded him to ignore the riches of France in favour of a tour of duty with Premiership strugglers London Irish.
While fellow All Blacks Conrad Smith (Pau), Dan Carter (Racing 92) and Ma’a Nonu (Toulon) opted for the euro-laden Top 14, Franks saw more value in beginning his own European adventure in less glamorous surroundings.
He said: “I’m pretty good mates with Brad Thorn and after the World Cup in 2011 he went to Leinster first, before joining Leicester.
“As soon as he got to England he gave me a call and said, ‘Franksy, you’ve got to come over here at some stage because you’ll enjoy it’. That got me thinking and my family were keen to experience living over here. My mum’s English and I’ve always enjoyed watching the Premiership on TV, so there’s lots of reasons for giving it a crack.”
Much will be expected of Franks, 31, who bowed out last month after winning the last of his 47 New Zealand caps in the World Cup final victory over Australia.
Franks said: “After 2011, I really wanted to give it a good go to get another World Cup and it was a great feeling to get the job done. But the All Blacks demand huge commitment and I thought now was the right time to start a new chapter.
“There’s a lot of travel and lots of time away from your family. I’d been involved with the All Blacks since 2008 and achieved everything I wanted.”
Franks’ new chapter involves helping ambitious London Irish move away from the foot of the table. He adds: “I just jumped on board in the last fortnight but there’s a good chemistry.”
Franks props on both sides of the scrum but hopes to now specialise: “I played both sides for the All Blacks, but in Super Rugby for the Hurricanes I normally just stayed on one side and that’s what I’m looking to do here.
“I played at No.3 last weekend and, hopefully, I’ll be there for a while now.”
NEALE HARVEY
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