Owen Franks

Owen Franks made his Test debut for the New Zealand national rugby union team, the All Blacks, on 27 June 2009, against Italy in a match held in Christchurch. Representing his country was a significant milestone for Franks, as he would become one of the mainstays in the All Blacks' front row in the years to come. He played as a tighthead prop, known for his scrumming ability and work rate, quickly becoming an integral part of the team. His debut set the stage for a successful international career.

On 23 October 2011, Owen Franks played a crucial role in helping the New Zealand All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup. The final was held at Eden Park in Auckland against France, and the All Blacks emerged victorious with a narrow 8-7 win. Franks' performance in the tournament was instrumental in the team's success, as he was part of a dominant front row that maintained pressure on the opposition throughout the competition. Winning the World Cup fulfilled a national expectation and solidified Franks' reputation as one of the premier props in world rugby.

On 18 August 2012, Owen Franks played against his brother Ben Franks in the 2012 Rugby Championship, where New Zealand faced Australia. This match was notable not only for the fierce rivalry between the two teams but also for the unique occurrence of the Franks brothers playing against each other at the international level. Both brothers are renowned for their prowess in the front row, and this family duel added another layer of intrigue to the classic Bledisloe Cup encounter, reflecting the shared rugby heritage and individual accomplishments of both Owen and Ben Franks.

On 8 June 2013, Owen Franks earned his 50th Test cap for the New Zealand All Blacks in a match against France. Achieving this milestone demonstrated Franks' importance to the All Blacks over the years, highlighting his consistent selection as part of the team's formidable forward pack. Known for his technical proficiency in the scrum and relentless work in open play, Franks became a reliable asset for the team management. His 50 caps reflected both his personal dedication to the sport and his significant contributions to the All Blacks' ongoing success in international rugby.

On 31 October 2015, Owen Franks and the New Zealand All Blacks made history by securing their second consecutive Rugby World Cup title. The final was played against Australia at Twickenham Stadium in London, where the All Blacks won 34-17. Franks was a key figure in the forward pack, contributing to the team's dominant scrummaging performance. The victory made New Zealand the first team to win three Rugby World Cup titles and the first to successfully defend a title since the tournament's inception. Franks’ consistent high-level play was crucial to the team's repeated success.

On 25 June 2016, Owen Franks reached a significant personal achievement by playing his 150th Super Rugby match for the Crusaders. Franks had been a mainstay of the Crusaders' front row since his debut and had contributed greatly to the team's success over the years. The match was celebrated as a testament to his durability and performance consistency in one of the toughest rugby competitions in the world. Throughout his tenure, Franks was known for his strong scrummaging, work ethic, and leadership on the field, making him a respected figure in New Zealand rugby.

In August 2017, New Zealand prop Owen Franks was ruled out for the season after undergoing surgery to repair his Achilles. This was a significant setback for both Franks and the All Blacks, as he was a key component of their forward pack. The surgery was deemed necessary to address an injury that had been causing Franks issues. Although disappointing, this period also highlighted the physical demands associated with professional rugby and provided Franks with time to focus on recovery and rehabilitation.

On 15 September 2018, Owen Franks reached a monumental milestone by earning his 100th Test cap for the New Zealand All Blacks in a match against South Africa. This achievement placed him among an elite group of players who have reached the century mark in international rugby, underscoring his durability and excellence on the field over the years. Franks' career with the All Blacks is marked by his formidable presence in the scrum and tactical nous, making him one of the most respected props in the world. His 100th Test cap was a testament to his significant impact and contribution to the All Blacks.

In May 2019, Owen Franks announced that he had signed a contract to join Northampton Saints, a professional rugby club in England, marking the next chapter in his well-established rugby career. His decision to move to the English Premiership followed a highly successful stint with the New Zealand All Blacks and the Crusaders in Super Rugby. Joining Northampton Saints provided Franks an opportunity to lend his vast experience and skill in a new rugby environment, as he prepared to take on the challenges of the English rugby scene while aiming to contribute to his new team's ambitions.

In June 2020, Owen Franks announced his return to New Zealand rugby after signing with the Hurricanes for the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition. His return marked another chapter in his illustrious rugby career, as he brought back his significant experience from playing overseas. Rejoining Super Rugby allowed Franks to contribute his leadership and technical skills in the domestic competition, and also aimed at revitalizing his professional career after his stint with Northampton Saints. Franks' presence in the Hurricanes squad was seen as a valuable addition as the team aimed to compete for the title.