25 Feb 2020

Rugby: Franks to retire

8:45 am on 25 February 2020

Former All Black and two-time world cup winner Ben Franks is to retire from professional rugby at the end of the current English season.

All Blacks prop Ben Franks

All Blacks prop Ben Franks Photo: Photosport

Frank, 35, is playing for English club Northampton and is one of 21 players to have lifted the World Cup on two occasions.

"I've loved my journey in rugby; from playing back home in New Zealand, to representing the All Blacks alongside my brother, and then coming over here to experience the challenge of the English Premiership," he told the club website.

He has made 37 Northampton appearances since signing in 2018 and said his younger brother Owen will "continue to play on" for the club, having himself arrived at Franklin's Gardens last year.