Cape Town - Versatile All Blacks prop Ben
Franks is tipped to join English club London Irish after this year's Rugby
World Cup, the Stuff.co.nz website reports.
READ: All Black exodus after World Cup?
Reports in the British media have linked the 30-year-old to a shift north as part of what is expected to be an exodus of ageing All Blacks stars after their attempt to defend the World Cup in England and Wales.
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 front-rower's value in covering the demanding tighthead and loosehead positions.
The 2015 Rugby World Cup runs from September 18-October 31.