In a big loss for Otago, the Bay of Plenty union announced yesterday Franklin (26) would turn out for the side in the Mitre 10 Cup this year.
Franklin, who hails from Opotiki, brought up his 50th game for Otago last season. He has steadily grown his game since he made his debut for Otago in 2011.
Named in the Highlanders in 2014, he had grown at Super rugby level and was injury cover for the All Blacks in the Welsh series last year.
Otago Rugby Football Union general manager Richard Kinley said it was disappointing to lose Franklin but the lock had been completely honest with the union and it was understandable he had decided to head north.
"Tom had always been very open with us.
"By going back up there he can be closer to family and also there are a couple of opportunities business-wise he can get into," he said.
"It’s hard to say no and think badly of a player when he is going to a place when it is not only about his rugby."
Franklin is believed to be looking at opportunities with his family in orchards and is keen to reconnect with family. He came to Dunedin after completing his education at St Peter’s School in Cambridge and was a member of the Otago academy. It was believed he had considered moving back to Bay of Plenty for the past two years but had stayed loyal to Otago. Bringing up 50 games was also a big target for the lock, who played his club rugby for Southern. He made the New Zealand Maori side last year.Franklin is signed with the Highlanders until the end of this season.
He was awarded the David Latta Trophy with Otago at the end of the last season, an award for the most valuable player of the team.
Kinley said although it was always disappointing to lose players and Franklin was indeed a loss, it did open up an opportunity for another player.
Blair Tweed and Josh Dickson were the other locks in last year’s Otago squad.
