Prior to the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, former Maori All Blacks lock Tom Franklin has joined with the Western Force, having assisted Taranaki in winning the NPC title in New Zealand last year.
Franklin has 85 games Super Rugby appearances under his belt, including a 2015 title with the Highlanders. He played nine times for the Maori All Blacks between 2014 and 2019.
The second rower, who is from Opotiki, has also played abroad for the Kobelco Steelers in Japan. Franklin spoke with Force coach Simon Cron while he was wearing the renowned red jersey.
Franklin bolsters an already excellent roster of stars at lock with additional depth and expertise. Other candidates in the second row include Felix Kalapu, Lopeti Faifua, Jeremy Williams, and former Wallaby Izack Rodda.
After the Force announced Franklin’s signing on Thursday, head coach Simon Cron discussed the importance of having a player of Franklin’s caliber in the lineup.
In a statement, Cron stated, “We’ve been light on lock, so we’ve been looking for somebody who can add value to the team straight away.”
Former Maori All Blacks lock signs on with Australian Super Rugby club