Franze began playing rugby league in his home city of Newcastle for his local club, Raymond Terrace, while still at a young age.

Franze maintained his first grade spot for the remainder of the 2002 season, scoring eight tries including a double in the finals series against the St George Illawarra Dragons.

At the end of the 2005 season with Franze being off contract, many English rugby union teams took an interest in him and he eventually decided to sign with the London Irish.[2].

He made the adjustment of switching codes quickly impressing fans and pundits alike with strong performances in several games including a superb try which many labelled the try of the season against Agen.

Franze went on to make another two appearances for the struggling Tigers before dramatically deciding to opt out of the remaining time on his contract, citing fatigue as this was the beginning of "his third straight season of rugby" without an off-season.