The All Black exile continues

 

The All Blacks face an age crisis with many of their bigger names heading towards the end of their careers, as such there has been clear indication that many of them would like to retire up North with a big pay check.

 

Dan Carter recently signed up with French giants Racing Metro after the World Cup to become the world's first £1 million-man, he follows Ma'a Nonu who is heading to Toulon as well as a number of other stars.

 

The likes of skipper McCaw, Conrad Smith, veteran front row forwards Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu, loose forwards Jerome Kaino and Liam Messam and even Cory Jane and Charlie Faumuina could also be considering high-paying, late-career stints overseas.

 

Ben Franks is the latest to suggest he will be leaving with the versatile All Blacks prop tipped to join British club London Irish after this year's World Cup.

 

Props  are in demand in England. Former All Black John Afoa is on a impressive deal with Gloucester, and Franks' ability to play on both sides of the scrum increases his value.

 

Franks has played 41 Tests for the All Blacks since 2008, although 35 of those have been off the bench, another sign of the Hurricanes props value in covering the demanding tighthead and loosehead positions.

 

The All Blacks management have encouraged their ageing players to make early decisions  on contract deals to avoid distractions closer to the World Cup and during the tournament.

 

London Irish's props stocks are headed by Irish representative Tom Court.

 

The club has strong Kiwi connections in former Blues flyhalf Chris Noakes and Scotland's rising New Zealand flank, Blair Cowan.

 

The news of Franks being courted by the club comes as London Irish seem resigned to losing their Australian coach, Brian Smith, who is keen to return home to pursue opportunities in Super Rugby.

 

London Irish guaranteed their English Premiership safety with a last-gasp win over Exeter last weekend.

 

Smith had envisaged leaving at season's end but there is speculation his exit may be fast-tracked by London Irish management.