DOUBLE World Cup winner Ben Franks has pledged his future to London Irish.

Exiles fans feared the 32-year-old prop would join the growing list of players who had left the club this summer following last season's relegation from the Aviva Premiership.

But in a massive boost for Irish, Franks has pledged to remain loyal to the club and help them return to the top flight at the first attempt.

Franks, capped 45 times by the All Blacks, said: “Once I’d had a few weeks away to clear my mind, my gut feeling was not to miss out on an opportunity and I’m here ready to work hard.

“I’m excited at the prospect of getting a solid pre-season under my belt mainly because I have not done one for many years.

“The last time I did a pre-season was when I was 23 – I’m 32 now and being an All Black you don’t get the opportunity to do a full summer programme.

“The last two or three weeks before we came back for pre-season, I was just eager to get started.”

Franks signed a three-year deal from Super Rugby side Hurricanes last summer, but he endured a frustrating season for Irish after missing three months through injury.

But he is back to full fitness and is itching to get going for the 2016/17 Championship campaign.

Exiles head of operations, Glenn Delaney, beamed: “Ben is a world-class player and his experience in the pack will be vital as we look to make an immediate return to the Premiership.

“We have a number of exciting young talent coming through the ranks at present and his experience and know how both on and off the field will be invaluable.

“It’s a real statement of intent, and underlines the ambition of the club and the owners.”

Irish remain in the hunt for a new head coach following the departure of Tom Coventry last week.

The following players have joined the club for the 2016-17 season: Sebastian De Chaves (Leicester Tigers), Dave Porecki (Saracens), Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi (Northampton), Ollie Hoskins (Western Force), Max Northcote-Green (Bath Rugby), Tommy Bell (Leicester Tigers), Mike Coman (Edinburgh Rugby), James Marshall (Hurricanes).