London Wasps' Heineken Cup winner, Raphael Ibanez, has announced his retirement from club rugby with immediate effect. Listen to Rapha's interview courtesy of Wasps.
Following a period of rest and recuperation after a series of concussions, the 36 year-old former France captain has been forced to end his career on medical grounds.
Sustaining an initial concussion in a Guinness Premiership match against Worcester Warriors in September 2008, Ibanez suffered further head injuries against Leinster in the Heineken Cup and during Premiership action against Sale and has since undergone a number of medical examinations whilst completing a recommended two month period of rest.
Ibanez is recognised as one of the most successful French rugby union players from France have amassed a wealth of honors in his eighteen seasons in top flight rugby.
The 39 times Heineken Cup capped player has played for five clubs in Europe and has participated in three Rugby World Cups (1999, 2003, 2007). The Dax native holds the French record for World Cup appearances which included a World Cup final in 1999 as a captain. With 98 France caps, Ibanez has won four Six Nations titles including two Grand Slams as a captain (1998 and 2002)
After spending eight years in France playing for Dax, USAP and Castres, Ibanez crossed the Channel in 2003 and joined Saracens for two seasons. In 2005, he moved across London signing for Wasps and went on to win a Heineken Cup final at Twickenham against Leicester in 2007, where he scored a crucial try. Last season, he lifted the Guinness Premiership trophy after another victory over Tigers at Twickenham.
Audio interview
