Easy selecting Ibanez as Cup captain, says Maso
Maso announced on Monday the Wasps hooker would skipper Les Bleus for the showpiece being held on French soil this autumn.
Ibanez was preferred to Fabien Pelous, who has been France’s regular captain since 2004 but who has struggled with injury in recent seasons.
“We spoke to them a lot on the telephone,” said Maso.
“We discussed the problem with each player — calmly, logically and intelligently.
“There weren’t any concerns, it has all been clear, clean and precise.
“And it was easy to sort out because these great players are great friends.”
The pair played together for Dax from 1994 to 1997.
It will be the second time Ibanez has captained France in a World Cup. He was also skipper in 1999, when France lost in the final to Australia.
The 34-year-old, who has won 90 caps for his country, said: “It is an immense honour and an immense responsibility, and I am desperate to dedicate myself fully to this great team.”
Earlier this year, Ibanez led France to a successful defence of their RBS Six Nations Championship crown, while Toulouse lock Pelous was sidelined with an ankle injury.
“He was there in the middle of it all, he experienced seven weeks with the squad,” said Maso.
Pelous, who has 110 caps to his name, will be France’s vice-captain for the tournament.
However, the 33-year-old has not played international rugby for a year because of injury.
And with Jerome Thion and Lionel Nallet having formed an effective second-row partnership during the Six Nations championship, Pelous is not assured of his place in Les Bleus’ starting XV.
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