1
Gym-loving ex-All Black gets creative during pandemic isolation
By Josh Raisey
Northampton Saints loosehead Ben Franks has not let the current coronavirus pandemic stop him from staying in condition.
With clubs ceasing to train collectively amid the suspension of all rugby in England and many gyms closed across the country to limit the spread of the virus, the ex-All Black has ‘Frankensteined' a prowler sled out of old gym equipment.
During this period of social distancing, the 36-year-old shared the fruits of his labour on Instagram where he welded together an “old bench press, scrap metal, and a horseshoe for good luck and to attach a harness to”.
"https://www.rugbypass.com/news/two-time-world-cup-winner-ben-franks-announces-retirement/">set to retire at the end of the season, so he may well have already played his last game. That is the unfortunate reality of the season suspension for many players expected to hang up their boots.
The Franks brothers’ exploits in the gym have been well documented throughout their careers, and such strength helps explain why Ben has been able to operate on either side of the scrum.
WATCH: Stormers team doctor Jason Suter on saving Pieter-Steph du Toit's career last month
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy
3
South Africa player ratings | 2024 Autumn Nations Series
4
Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu admits anger at Australian rugby
5
Latest Comments
I didn't mean to sound down on Dmac. Just looking hard at the bench sub's role of providing impact. I don't think he can do that at 15, and the bench is not really about injury cover anymore (you need to maximise it's use more than that).
He's my first choice of any New Zealander for the 10 jersey with the All Blacks.
Go to commentsAgreed. And I don't have much more to say on it, but I had been having one thought that sprang to mind at the tail of this discussion, and that is that it's not all about Razor.
It's not about any coach being "right". I think a lot of selections can become defense and while it doesn't really apply here I really enjoyed that Andy Farrell just gave into the public demands and changed out his team for the change that had been asked for. Like why not? This is the countries team, keep them engaged. The whole reason i've only just finished watching the game was because I wasn't interested in watching any of the selected players against a team like Italy (still actually enjoyed the first half with the contest Italy made of it).
Faz leap frogs a younger half back into start. He hands the golden child the game over July's golden child. He gives an old winger a go, a new flanker and hooker. None of them really did any good, certainly not enough to suggest they should have been promoted above others, but who cares? You won, and you gave the country what they wanted, that's all that matters after all. It's for the country, not the one in charge who thinks they have to have their own pied piper tune playing.
Go to comments