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Owen Franks latest All Black to confirm post-World Cup exit, will join brother at Saints

February 15, 2019
Owen Franks. New Zealand All Blacks v Australia Wallabies. The Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup. Westpac Stadium, Wellington . Saturday 27 August 2016. © Copyright Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.Photosport.nz

New Zealand Rugby will lose another long-time All Black after the World Cup later this year with front rower Owen Franks announcing his departure this morning.

Franks confirmed today he will leave New Zealand and the Crusaders at the end of 2019 to play for the Northampton Saints in England. His brother, former All Black Ben Franks, also plays for the Saints.

"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.

"While I know I’ll look back at the end of my time in New Zealand with an immense amount of pride, I still have a lot I want to achieve this year and some big goals to tick off before I leave."

Franks first burst on to the scene when he made the New Zealand Under 21 team in 2007, having previously honed his skills at Christchurch Boys' High School. He also made his provincial debut for Canterbury in the same year.

Franks went on to make his Super Rugby debut in 2009 for the Crusaders and later that year in June, became the third youngest All Black prop when he made his debut against Italy.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said Franks is "one of the most professional players I’ve had the privilege of coaching".

"His unbelievable commitment to his preparation, on-field and gym training, diet and his game is there for all to see, and inspires others.

"We wish Owen, wife Emma and their family all the very best when their new adventure starts next year."

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson echoed the praise.

"He is what we hope every young prop coming through the Crusaders region aspires to be like, and we look forward to a huge 2019 season alongside him."

The 31-year-old has started 96 of his 106 Tests to date, the second-highest number of starts by an All Blacks prop behind former teammate Tony Woodcock.

A double World Cup winner, Franks played in all seven All Blacks matches at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and six at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

He joins the likes of Ben Smith and Nehe Milner-Skudder in confirming their departures after 2019 with others like Kieran Read and Ryan Crotty rumoured but yet to announce their moves as well.

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