Ibanez set for France retirement

From correspondents in Dax, France
January 10, 2008

HOOKER Raphael Ibanez, who captained France during last year's rugby World Cup, is set to announce his retirement from the international game.

Ibanez, 34, has won 98 caps for France after making his debut in 1996 and is under contract with London Wasps until the end of the season.

Ibanez played for his hometown club of Dax in southwest France until 1998 before signing for Perpignan, then moving on to Castres, Saracens and Wasps.

The hooker was part of the France team that won the Six Nations in 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2007, including two Grand Slams, and has played in one World Cup final in 1999, and two semi-finals in 2003 and 2007.

Agence France-Presse