Former All Blacks prop Owen Franks hasn't given up on the prospect of returning to the black jersey, as he prepares to make his Super Rugby comeback with the Hurricanes.
Franks left New Zealand after the 2019 season after missing selection for Sir Steve Hansen's World Cup squad, citing the need for more mobile, ball-playing front rowers.
With his international career seemingly done, the 108-test veteran departed New Zealand for England and Premiership side Northampton Saints, where he played 22 games.
Not done with New Zealand though, Franks last year signed on to join the Hurricanes and return to Super Rugby, only to be delayed by a ruptured Achilles at the end of 2021.
But now fit again, Franks will make his Hurricanes debut off then bench against Fijian Drua on Sunday, and will add to his 150 Super Rugby appearances with the Crusaders.
"It's been a long road to get back here," Franks says.
"[I'm] just excited to repay the faith the Hurricanes have shown in me the last year. I'm desperate to do a good job for the club.
"Like any long-term injury, or back-to-back ones, there's peaks and troughs. But I committed to coming back to New Zealand and giving it a crack so that was always at the forefront of my mind.
"The motivation or drive never wavered. Like I said, you have your ups and downs, but it's all good."
But Franks hasn't just returned to New Zealand for sentiment's sake.
The 34-year-old outlines he wants to return to the All Blacks' ranks as they push towards World Cup redemption in 2023, and believes he still has the ability to do it.
What's more, All Blacks coach Ian Foster has stated the front row as one of his areas of concern for this year, potentially opening the door for a Franks return.
"I'm just competitive, I just want to see if I can mix it with these guys," he added.
"I really enjoyed my time in England, Northampton was a great club, I enjoyed the rugby. But it's different when you know there's no possibility of making the national team.
"I don't consider myself in the frame at the minute here, [but] it's a different feeling when you know there's a mountain top to reach. It's hugely motivating.
"If you're playing rugby in New Zealand, and you're eligible for the All Blacks, and that's not your goal, maybe you should rethink - why are you playing here?"
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