Gym-loving ex-All Black gets creative during pandemic isolation

Northampton Saints loosehead Ben Franks has not let the current coronavirus pandemic stop him from staying in condition. 

With clubs ceasing to train collectively amid the suspension of all rugby in England and many gyms closed across the country to limit the spread of the virus, the ex-All Black has ‘Frankensteined’ a prowler sled out of old gym equipment. 

During this period of social distancing, the 36-year-old shared the fruits of his labour on Instagram where he welded together an “old bench press, scrap metal, and a horseshoe for good luck and to attach a harness to”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B94YV2Al5d7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

It is unclear as to when rugby will resume in the northern hemisphere, or if the Gallagher Premiership season will even be completed, but players are nonetheless doing the best they can in these circumstances to remain in shape. 

The 47-cap dual World Cup winner is set to retire at the end of the season, so he may well have already played his last game. That is the unfortunate reality of the season suspension for many players expected to hang up their boots.  

The Franks brothers’ exploits in the gym have been well documented throughout their careers, and such strength helps explain why Ben has been able to operate on either side of the scrum. 

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