Raphael Ibanez warned on Monday that he will do everything in his power to give France their first World Cup title after being named captain of the host nation for this year's tournament.
The veteran hooker will take over from lock Fabien Pelous, who is struggling for fitness after being sidelined with injuries for most of the season.
"Things fell into place today," Ibanez said. "Everyone will have their role to play in this group and as far as I'm concerned it's a great honor and an immense responsibility. I'm determined to give everything I have for this beautiful team."
Photo: AFP
Team manager Jo Maso said: "It's an accepted fact, Raphael is the captain for the entire World Cup because he was there in the final straight."
"This decision hasn't been taken lightly. We telephoned our players a lot, and Fabien when he was recovering. We talked a lot with Raphael because he has been the captain of the team for the entire season," Maso said.
The 34-year-old Ibanez, who plays for London side Wasps, was captain of the French team at the 1999 World Cup - taking them to the final where they lost to Australia.
Pelous took over as skipper after that, but there had been doubts about the fitness of the Toulouse stalwart for the World Cup hosted by France.
Pelous, who is just one game away from Philippe Sella's record of 111 Tests for France, is not even sure to compete and is in direct competition for a place with Lionel Nallet, Jerome Thion and Sebastien Chabal.
"We just were not sure until the last moment that Fabien would be fit enough and we did not want to put more pressure on him," Maso said.
"The fact that the two of them are the best of friends made it a lot easier to make the change," he said.
Maso added that Pelous did not officially have the title of vice-captain, but added: "If Raphael isn't there, Fabien will be captain for that match."
Ibanez made his national debut in March 1996 and has played 90 times for France, 34 of them as captain.
He retired from international competition after the 2003 World Cup in which France finished fourth, but returned to action two years later and has been in top form for Wasps scoring a try and setting up the second which helped them win the European Cup this year.
"He has more confidence in his qualities regarding the group, he's a great captain," Maso said.
The hosts kick off their World Cup campaign against Argentina on Sept. 7 at the Stade de France.
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