Super Rugby Pacific: Owen Franks targets All Blacks return

Owen Franks has targeted a return to the All Blacks squad as he is set to make his long-awaited debut for the Hurricanes this weekend.

Franks joined Premiership side Northampton Saints in 2019 but recently returned to New Zealand with the Hurricanes to try to make a return to the international fold.

Unfortunate injury

The 34-year-old has been sidelined by a torn Achilles suffered in pre-season and is looking forward to competing again.

“I’m just competitive and I want to see if I can mix it again with these guys,” Franks said.

“I really enjoyed my time in England. Northampton was a great club and I enjoyed the rugby. But it’s different when you know there’s no possibility of making the national team.

“I don’t consider myself in the frame at the minute here but there’s just a different feeling when you know there’s a mountaintop to reach, so to speak, and that’s hugely motivating.

“If you’re playing rugby in New Zealand and you’re eligible for the All Blacks and it’s not your goal then maybe you should rethink why you’re playing.”

“I was doing some sprints and like anyone who has done it will tell you, it just happens out of the blue,” he said.

Franks has been focused on rehabilitation and is itching to “replay the faith” of the Hurricanes for their support.

“I was really grateful when I got the contract here at the Hurricanes so I could get another crack here in New Zealand but when I ruptured my Achilles I was just desperate to repay the faith in the club because they were supportive and never showed they were disappointed. They were just keen on helping me get back on the field,” he added.

Hurricanes coach Jason Holland commended Franks for his commitment to returning to the field before the end of the season.

“He’s unbelievably diligent around everything he does around his rehab and I think he goes over and beyond to find ways to get back quickly,” Holland said.

“He was doing all sorts to bring down the time and everything he has done has brought it back to here.

“He probably always had about now in his head but the official word was another four or five weeks away.”

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