Raphael Ibanez set to manage France post Rugby World Cup
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Former hooker and captain Raphael Ibanez will take over as manager of France following the 2019 World Cup, he told AFP on Friday.
The 46-year-old said he had been offered the post by Bernard Laporte, president of the French Rugby Federation, "and I said yes to the job of manager."
His managerial responsibilities will include acting as linkman between French clubs and international players and staff.
Former French captain Fabien Galthie has been tipped to replace Jacques Brunel as the national side's head coach following the World Cup. Galthie won 64 caps as a scrum-half and will work as an assistant to Brunel in the build-up to the World Cup, according to reports.
He will then take over permanently on a contract until 2023, Galthie has had spells with French clubs Montpellier and Toulon.
He also won a Top 14 title with Stade Francais.