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Saints sign former All Black
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Former New Zealand prop Ben Franks will leave London Irish to join Premiership rivals Northampton Saints at the end of the season.
World Cup-winner Franks will be reunited with Chris Boyd, the incoming Saints director of rugby who he played under at the Hurricanes.
The 33-year-old is relishing the prospect of playing his part in a new era at Franklin's Gardens.
"I'm delighted to be joining Saints at such an exciting junction for the club," said Franks, capped 47 times by the All Blacks.
"Linking up with Chris Boyd once again was of course a big factor in this decision; I remember him as a gifted and hard-working coach, and I know he will be desperate to make a fast start in England as he did in Wellington with the Hurricanes.
"I still feel like I have a lot to offer in the Aviva Premiership, and having experienced the Franklin's Gardens atmosphere first-hand, I can't wait to run out for Northampton every week.
"Seeing the facilities at the club and looking at some of the quality players that have been brought in for next season, the ambition of Saints is clear, and I can't wait to be a part of that."
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Etzebeth went on to say: “I would never dream of saying that systems stay in place following a change in captain. To say that would be deeply, deeply, disrespectful of Siya. A while back an Irish person told me they would be fine without Sexton, so I’m just responding to that.”
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