All Blacks prop Owen Franks chooses Northampton over Toulon

Veteran All Blacks prop Owen Franks has turned his back on advances from Toulon and will join Northampton after the Rugby World Cup.

Franks who has played in 105 Tests for the All Blacks since making his debut in 2009, he is believed to have agreed a two‑year deal to play for the English Premiership club, with there being an option for a third year.

Midi Olympique has reported that the 31‑year‑old, Franks weighed up whether to join Toulon or Northampton and chose the latter, becoming part of a growing trend of All Blacks deciding not to go to France, with Ardie Savea, Kieran Read, Ryan Crotty and Beauden Barrett also turning down French approaches.

Nehe Milner‑Skudder though has bucked the trend and has signed a three‑year deal with Toulon.

Franks would link up with former Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd at the Saints, while he will also be teaming up again with his brother Ben, who also plays for the club.

Meanwhile, Midi Olympique is also reporting that Waisake Naholo is close to deciding where he' will play after the World Cup, with the wing narrowing down his options to either London Irish or Wasps.

[Source: www.sport24.co.za]