London Irish have announced the signing of New Zealand World Cup winner Ben Franks. Prop Franks, 30, has agreed a three-year deal and will join Irish from the Wellington-based Hurricanes. He has won 42 caps and was part of New Zealand's 2011 World Cup-winning squad. Franks has made more than 100 Super Rugby appearances. London Irish have confirmed the signing of Ben Franks (right) from Wellington-based club Hurricanes . New Zealand prop Franks, 30, was part of the All Blacks squad in 2011 that went on to win the World Cup . 'I am really looking forward to joining London Irish,' Franks said. 'I have been to have a look around Hazelwood (Irish's training complex) and was very impressed with the set-up. 'After speaking to the board and seeing the facilities, the ambition of the club is clear. 'It is a family-friendly club, which played a big part in my decision to move my family over, and London Irish also has a link with St Mary's University, where I will be able to study alongside playing rugby for the club. 'There is still work to be done in New Zealand, but my family and I are looking forward to joining the club next season.' Franks in action for New Zealand against Australia during the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland in 2012 . Franks pictured here with his brother, Owen (left) at a New Zealand press conference in Wellington . Franks' signing comes hot on the heels of Tom Coventry being confirmed as Irish's head coach next season, with rugby director Brian Smith having departed the club. 'Ben is a world-class player, and we are delighted that he has decided to sign with London Irish,' Irish's operations director Bob Casey said. 'He is a family man with great rugby values. 'It is a real statement of intent that a player of his class and experience has signed, and shows the ambition of the club and our owners.' Ronnie McCaw (left) trains with Franks at an open New Zealand training session in Cardiff last year .
Ben Franks signs for London Irish from Wellington-based club Hurricanes .
The 30-year-old prop has agreed a three-year deal .
Franks was part of New Zealand's World Cup-winning squad in 2011 .
London Irish director Bob Casey describes Franks as a 'world-class player'
London Irish have announced the signing of New Zealand World Cup winner Ben Franks. Prop Franks, 30, has agreed a three-year deal and will join Irish from the Wellington-based Hurricanes. He has won 42 caps and was part of New Zealand's 2011 World Cup-winning squad. Franks has made more than 100 Super Rugby appearances. London Irish have confirmed the signing of Ben Franks (right) from Wellington-based club Hurricanes . New Zealand prop Franks, 30, was part of the All Blacks squad in 2011 that went on to win the World Cup . 'I am really looking forward to joining London Irish,' Franks said. 'I have been to have a look around Hazelwood (Irish's training complex) and was very impressed with the set-up. 'After speaking to the board and seeing the facilities, the ambition of the club is clear. 'It is a family-friendly club, which played a big part in my decision to move my family over, and London Irish also has a link with St Mary's University, where I will be able to study alongside playing rugby for the club. 'There is still work to be done in New Zealand, but my family and I are looking forward to joining the club next season.' Franks in action for New Zealand against Australia during the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland in 2012 . Franks pictured here with his brother, Owen (left) at a New Zealand press conference in Wellington . Franks' signing comes hot on the heels of Tom Coventry being confirmed as Irish's head coach next season, with rugby director Brian Smith having departed the club. 'Ben is a world-class player, and we are delighted that he has decided to sign with London Irish,' Irish's operations director Bob Casey said. 'He is a family man with great rugby values. 'It is a real statement of intent that a player of his class and experience has signed, and shows the ambition of the club and our owners.' Ronnie McCaw (left) trains with Franks at an open New Zealand training session in Cardiff last year .
30, has agreed a three-year deal and will join Irish from the Wellington-based Hurricanes. He has won 42 caps and was part of New Zealand's 2011 World Cup-winning squad. Franks has made (right) from Wellington-based club Hurricanes . having departed the club. 'Ben is a world-class director Bob Casey said. 'He is a family man with