Raphael Ibanez: Castres Olympique
Position: Hooker
Date of Birth
Place of Birth Dax
International Debut
Height 5′ 11′(1.80 M) Weight 212 lbs (96.16kg)
Ibanez made his international debut for
He was named captain 12-months later, and led
Ibanez was still at the helm to lead his side to the 1999 World Cup semi-final victory over tournament favourites New Zealand that took Les Bleus to their second World Cup final – where they were defeated.
Within a year he had been stripped of the captaincy and dropped as first choice hooker in place of veteran Marc dal Maso.
Just one Test appearance followed in 2000 only for Ibanez to roar back in 2001 – and in 2002 he had a key role as
He briefly regained the captaincy too as injury and suspension ruled out incumbent Fabien Galthie and Olivier Magne
He plays hs club rugby for Castres Olympique, and has been instrumental in helping his side reach the final stages of the PARKER PEN SHIELD.
DIMITRI YACHVILI
OLIVIER MAGNE
THOMAS CASTAIGNEDE
