Aviva Premiership
London Irish close in on Ben Franks
Tom Hamilton
January 12, 2015
Ben Franks looks set to be joining London Irish © Getty Images
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London Irish are closing in on the signing of All Blacks prop Ben Franks.

Franks' contract is up after the World Cup and ESPN understands the Exiles are confident of securing a deal for his services. With 41 caps to his name for the All Blacks, Franks will bring a wealth of experience to their front-row.

The signing would be a huge statement of intent from London Irish and their relatively new owners - an Irish consortium who took control in December 2013. Franks is regarded as one of the world's premier loose-heads and will bolster their options in the pack.

While they are confident of adding Franks to the squad ahead of next season, they are yet to confirm who will be coaching the club. Brian Smith, the current director of rugby, will return to Australia at the end of the campaign with an announcement expected on Monday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
Tom Hamilton is the Associate Editor of ESPNscrum.

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