Owen Franks
A rock-solid tighthead prop who formed the immovable foundation of the All Blacks' dominant scrum during one of their most successful eras.
Born 1987 (age 39)·NZ international rugby union player·Birthday: December 23·Millennials
Biography
Owen Franks didn't just play prop for New Zealand; he redefined the position's importance with a quiet, brutal efficiency. Emerging from the Crusaders system, his strength, technique, and unflinching work ethic made him an immediate fixture. Debuting for the All Blacks in 2009, Franks quickly became the non-negotiable first name on the team sheet for his core duty: winning the scrum. His presence allowed flashier players to thrive, a sacrifice he wore as a badge of honor. Franks was central to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, a period where the All Blacks' set-piece was a weapon of fear. His career, spanning over 100 tests, was one of remarkable consistency and durability, ending as one of the most capped props in history. He retired as a quiet titan, having provided the essential grit for a golden age of New Zealand rugby.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Owen was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Owen Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Owen's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Rugby World Cup twice with the New Zealand All Blacks (2011, 2015).
- Earned 108 test caps for New Zealand, becoming one of their most-capped players.
- Won multiple Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders franchise.
Did You Know?
He is the older brother of fellow All Black and prop, Ben Franks.
He did not score a single point in his 108-test international career, highlighting his purely forward-oriented role.
He was known for an extremely strict and disciplined diet and fitness regimen.
“My role is simple: win the collision, every single time.”
