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All Blacks prop Ben Franks is joining London Irish from the Wellington-based Hurricanes, the English Premiership side announced on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old Franks, who can play both sides of the scrum, has won 42 caps and was part of New Zealand’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad. He has also made more than 100 Super Rugby appearances.

	It is a family-friendly club, which played a big part in my decision to move

	Ben Franks
He will take up a three-year contract with the Irish from the start of next season, linking up with his new club after the 2015 World Cup in England in October.
“I am really looking forward to joining London Irish,” Franks said.
“I have been to have a look around Hazelwood [Irish’s training complex] and was very impressed with the set-up.
“After speaking to the board and seeing the facilities, the ambition of the club is clear.
“It is a family-friendly club, which played a big part in my decision to move my family over, and London Irish also has a link with St Mary’s University, where I will be able to study alongside playing rugby for the club.
"There is still work to be done in New Zealand, but my family and I are looking forward to joining the club next season,” he added.
Franks’ signing comes after fellow- Kiwi Tom Coventry was confirmed as Irish’s head coach next season, with rugby director Brian Smith leaving the club.
“Ben is a world-class player, and we are delighted that he has decided to sign with London Irish,” said the club’s operations director Bob Casey.
“It is a real statement of intent that a player of his class and experience has signed, and shows the ambition of the club and our owners.”
Franks joins Dan Carter and Jeremy Thrush as current All Blacks who have signed overseas deals.


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Super Rugby 2015

London Irish sign Kiwi World Cup winner Ben Franks

Hard-as-nails All Blacks prop Ben Franks made 85 appearances for Super Rugby's Crusaders and 29 for the Hurricanes. Photos: Reuters

Ben Franks was part of the New Zealand squad that went unbeaten in 2013.

Sport

Rugby

All Blacks prop Ben Franks is joining London Irish from the Wellington-based Hurricanes, the English Premiership side announced on Tuesday.


Rugby World Cup 2015

London Irish sign Kiwi World Cup winner Ben Franks

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}All Blacks prop Ben Franks is joining London Irish from the Wellington-based Hurricanes, the English Premiership side announced on Tuesday.

All Blacks prop Ben Franks is joining London Irish from the Wellington-based Hurricanes, the English Premiership side announced on Tuesday.