Raphael Ibanez played 98 tests forFrance - including in the 2007 World Cup quarterfinal. Photo / Getty
One of the All Blacks' biggest nemesis', former French captain Raphael Ibanez, is reportedly set to join Thames Valley's coaching staff in this year's Heartland Championship.
Though the Swamp Foxes are yet to confirm the move, 98-test veteran Ibanez told L'Equipe the move was happening, saying he was hoping to
"discover their rugby from the inside".
Ibanez played a leading role in the French sides that knocked the All Blacks out of the Rugby World Cup in 1999, and most famously, in the quarter-finals in 2007, where he was captain.
"I'm going there with a very enthusiastic spirit, with the idea of taking on board as many things as possible. I'm going there to discover their rugby from the inside. I'm very interested in finding out about the links between schools and clubs," Ibanez said.
"It's a project I had in mind for a long time. The New Zealand Federation is proud to send its best coaches around the world.
