In this episode we speak to Ben and Owen Franks. Owen is undoubtedly one of the most feared props in world rugby. Hailing from Motueka, New Zealand, Franks has made his name as part of the the dominant Crusaders front row which has ruled so impressively in past seasons in Super Rugby. Since his debut victory over Ireland in 2009, Franks has gone on to be a double World Cup winner in what has been an impressive career to date. In February 2019, having started 96 of his 106 Tests, the second-highest number of starts by an All Blacks prop, Franks announced that he will bid farewell to New Zealand at end of 2019 to join Northampton Saints where he currently plays.
Starting his rugby career in Canterbury, Ben Franks made his provincial debut for the side against Otago in 2005 before joining the Crusaders in 2006 and winning the Super Rugby title two years later. Having featured for the Crusaders nearly 100 times, Franks then moved to the Wellington-based Hurricanes in 2013. Making his Test debut for New Zealand in 2010 against Ireland, scoring his first points for the All Blacks, before helping his country defeat Wales a week later. Playing alongside brother Owen, the duo become only the second pair of brothers to represent New Zealand. Ben & Owen are two of only 20 players ever to have been a part of two World Cup victories.
