Le Figaro. How do you react to Jefferson Poirot's announcement on Sunday evening to end his international career?
Raphaël Ibanez: I am surprised. 27 years old is very young to stop the France team. But from what I've read, it's a very personal choice, which is up to him. We must respect his decision. Jeff is a laid back, thoughtful, structured person. If he thinks he's worn out and not fully invested, then I understand his decision
You're not going to try to get him to reverse his choice?
He is quite firm in his remarks. And he explained everything clearly. For my part, I can just answer him that our XV project in France requires, and will require, extraordinary energy. So if he no longer feels 100% for the selection ... To wear the blue jersey, to play at this very high level, you have to be driven by the cause.
“Now is not the time to be a litigator. Jeff made this choice honestly "
But, legally, you can select it anyway ...
Yes, but this is not the time to be a lawyer. Jeff made his decision, he called Fabien ( Galthié, the coach ) to warn him. He made this choice with honesty ... But, beyond his case, this decision refers to two important elements. First of all, the approach we took when we launched our project. We went to the potentially selectable players in their clubs and asked them the powerful questions. One of them concerned their desire to play for the French team, knowing the meaning of the requirement, the sacrifice, the energy to deploy to play at this level, which it requires. The answer we expected was yes or no, and maybe not. There, for Jeff, it's no. Point. His decision inspires me a second reflection. It brings me back to the current discussions on a harmonized world calendar, with two highlights for the national teams instead of three. And therefore more recovery for the players.
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Vahaamahina, now Poirot. It shouldn't become a habit ...
These two positions are very demanding physically. Regarding Jeff, the pillar position requires a lot of generosity, selflessness… Now, this gives us the opportunity to turn to other left pillars to develop them. Namely Jean-Baptiste Gros ( Toulon ), Clément Castets ( Toulouse ), why not the young Hassane Kolingar ( 22, Racing 92, world champion under 20 in 2018, editor's note ). It will be a strong axis.
" I really think that, for all the players, the France team remains the Grail "
Do these decisions raise the question of the players' attachment to the French team?
These are two highly personal decisions. I would be careful not to make an emotional judgment on their decisions. On the other hand, what I am sure of, and this is part of the genesis of our project, a player in the France team requires implication, extraordinary energy, of the order of the sacred. It's unique. It brings a very powerful fervor. I really think that, for all the players, the France team remains the Grail.
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- Ibanez at Figaro: "The XV of France staff will finally meet next Monday"