All Blacks prop Ben Franks has asked to be released from his Super Rugby contract with the Crusaders because he is competing for one position with younger brother Owen, jeopardising his international career.

Franks is behind All Black teammates Wyatt Crockett and Owen and is used by the Crusaders to prop either side of the scrum. He wants to specialise at tighthead prop and can’t do so while Owen, two years his junior, is preferred in that position.

With 18 Test caps, Ben Franks is contracted to the Crusaders for another year but wants to join the Highlanders.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder says “this isn’t because he doesn’t like the Crusaders or anything but he has asked us to consider it and we’ve said yes we will.”