Maso explains Ibanez appointment

France team manager Jo Maso insists it was an “easy” decision to make Raphael Ibanez captain for the forthcoming World Cup campaign.

Maso announced yesterday that the Wasps hooker would skipper Les Bleus for the showpiece, which is being held on French soil this autumn.

Ibanez was preferred to Fabien Pelous, who has been France’s regular captain since 2004, but has struggled with injury over the past couple of 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 6 Nations Championship crown, while Toulouse lock Pelous was sidelined with an ankle injury.