Ibanez Retirement Scoop

OK - so it's no longer a scoop, but for a full 18 hours I had the insider track on Monsieur le Talonneur's pending announcement.

Coming back from London last Wednesday evening, I had a few moments to spare at St Pancras before boarding the Eurostar, so thought it only right to stop for a quick glass of the bubbly stuff. As I casually glanced around me, there was Raphael Ibanez sitting on the table to my left. Nothing stronger than water for our French friend. My train was then promptly announced, so I was left wondering why he was headed back to France mid week, with the Wasps Llanelli HC game scheduled for the weekend.

When I boarded the train, who should be sat in the seat behind me? I began to wonder if Ibanez was stalking me! I'm not normally one to eavesdrop, but given who it was, I couldn't help but overhear parts of his mobile conversation with (I presume) his wife. Piecing together bits of what he was saying, I had the hunch he was about to announce his retirement, mainly due to references as to how well Lawerence had handled the occassion, and how he was going to do it in a similar way.

I passed the journey thinking of all the questions I wanted to ask him, such as what inspired him to choose the two short try-making line out throws in the final of the Heineken Cup last year, how he felt about losing to England twice in WC Semis etc. I decided to leave the man in peace though, but I somehow regret that now.

A great player, and it's a shame he won't be pulling on the blue shirt anymore. I wonder what the newlook young French team will look like?

Great idea to create this blog Kevin. Am hoping that T's managed to get us some tickets for the France England game. One of her clients is the President of a Paris rugby club, and he's on the case apparently. Will post some pictures if he comes up trumps!