Ben Franks will be staying in the UK after bagging coaching role - Ruck

Ben Franks will be staying in the UK after bagging coaching role

All Blacks legend and two-time World Cup-winner Ben Franks will be staying in the UK following his retirement.

The prop, who hangs up his boots at the end of the season, is set to be part of the new-look Scarlets coaching staff as Head coach Brad Mooar and forwards coach Ioan Cunningham are leaving the region.

Th 36-year-old is expected to be employed as a scrummaging specialist at Parc y Scarlets.

Before his move to the northern hemisphere, Franks notched up 130 Super Rugby appearances for the Crusaders and the Hurricanes, twice winning the title with the former in 2006 and 2008.

The prop made his Test debut for New Zealand in 2010 against Ireland; packing down in the front row alongside brother Owen, the duo become only the second pair of brothers to represent the All Blacks.

His performances earned him a place at the 2011 Rugby World Cup where New Zealand claimed an historic title on home soil, before Franks and the All Blacks went on to repeat the feat in 2015 – making him one of only 21 players ever to have been a part of two World Cup victories.


Ranking Eddie Jones’ first 10 England debutants

10. Tommy Taylor

Position: Hooker

Current record: 1 appearance, 0 goals

Featured in latest squad? No

One call-up, one cap, surely unlikely ever to play for England again.  There are simply too many players pushing him well out of contention even for a squad place at the moment.


9. Ollie Devoto

Position: Centre

Current record: 2 appearances, 0 tries

Featured in latest squad? Yes

His two appearances both came in 2016, both coming against Wales. Following four years firmly out of the picture, the 6ft 3in centre was included in Jones’ 2020 Six Nations squad and was an unused replacement for their opening round defeat against France.


8. Jack Clifford

Position: Back-row

Current record: 7 appearances, 2 tries

Featured in latest squad? No

The only man to be handed a debut in Eddie Jones’ first game as England boss against Scotland in 2016 was expected to go on and become one of his most important players. However, an unfortunate series of injuries stopped the flanker establishing himself with players such as Tom Curry and Sam Underhill emerging since.

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