By Jason Harris
June 11 2003

French test hooker Raphael Ibanez has signed for Saracens and will play for the Men in Black after the conclusion of France's involvement in this autumn's World Cup. Born in Dax and capped 63 times by his country, Ibanez joins from French Top 16 outfit and Parker Pen Shield Champions Castres Olympique after consultations with Saracens' other recent imports from across the Channel; Abdel Benazzi, Christian Califano and current Les Bleus and soon-to-be Sarries team-mate Thomas Castaignede.

Speaking about the move, the 30 year old said "I'm very much looking forward to playing for Saracens and becoming a member of the squad. Getting to know new people is always great and I'm certain that me and my family will enjoy the experience of living and working in England."

Ibanez added "Playing in the front row there is a lot of responsibility and it's a tough position, that's why I like it; the contact, the knocks. The game is forever evolving and you must keep up if you want to perform at the highest level."

Saracens Chief Executive Mark Sinderberry was delighted that such an experienced, quality player had decided to join the club and said "I'm very impressed with the quality of the man. We'll be looking at him for the second half of the season, post the World Cup. He has a great amount of experience and is very hungry for success with the club, and as well as his obvious rugby skills he's a fantastic leader. He's excited about joining up, and we're very excited to have him."

Starting with his home town club, Ibanez has had a distinguished career that has taken him to Perpignan and then to Castres and onwards to representative honours for his country and the Barbarians.

Commenting on the differences between the French championship and the Zurich Premiership he concluded "It's hard to imagine exactly what it will be like, but I can't wait to see. I have known the French rugby system for some 10 years, and want this as a rugby challenge."



Fact File
Raphael Ibanez
Born: 17th February 1973, Dax, France
Height: 5ft 11ins (1.80m)
Weight: 212lbs (96.16kg)
Former clubs: Dax, Perpignan, Castres
Representative honours: France (63 caps, 5 tries), France A, Barbarians