Frenchman Ibanez decides to retire

PARIS, France -- France's 2007 World Cup captain Raphael Ibanez has announced his retirement from international rugby with immediate effect.

The Wasps hooker won 98 caps, making him world rugby's most-capped hooker, and skippered France on numerous occasions -- including to a Five Nations Grand Slam in 1998.

Ibanez said: "At the start of this week I had a phone conversation with Marc Lievremont (new France coach).

"We have a good relationship, stemming from our playing days together with France, so we were able to have a very open and honest discussion of the plans Marc has for the future.

"Marc's plans center around bringing in new young faces to take France forward. I respect that, and fully support his decision and plans.

"I like to think that I still have enough good rugby inside me to have played again for France and reached the 100-cap mark.

"That would have been nice, and a great achievement, but the coaches have to think of the bigger picture, so now I will have to rely on my two young sons to collect those remaining two caps for Team Ibanez!"

Ibanez, who will be 35 next month, has played in three World Cups -- two as captain -- and won four Six Nations winners' medals. He also helped Wasps win the Heineken Cup last season.

He added: "My decision to retire has been guided by the intentions of the new French coaching team, and by retiring I also make clear what is on my mind and where my focus will be for the rest of my career.

"The immediate future for me is now all about Wasps. My current contract ends at the end of this season, but I am enjoying my rugby and I still feel I have a lot to offer on the pitch, so I am currently in negotiations with Wasps regarding an extension to my contract for next season."

Wasps rugby director and former Lions coach Ian McGeechan paid tribute to Ibanez's services to Test rugby. McGeechan said: "What Raf has achieved, his character and the way he operates is first-class.

"The fact he is now the world's most capped hooker reflects his commitment and durability, particularly as he has played throughout that time in the uncompromising environment of the front-row. Raf has been an immense captain and player for France, as he has been for Wasps." E-mail to a friend