Ibanez announces international retirement

French hooker Raphael Ibanez has retired from international rugby at the age of 30.

French hooker Raphael Ibanez has retired from international rugby at the age of 30.

The Saracens clubman cited personal reasons for his decision to quit in a move that was not unexpected.

Ibanez was captain of France's losing team in the 1999 World Cup final against Australia and also played against England in this year's semi-finals.

He said: "On the plane on the way back from Australia I told (France manager) Jo Maso and (France coach) Bernard Laporte of my decision not to continue with the French team.

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"I am missing my family and I want to know them again."