It appears that changes have to be made - Coach Ibanez to leave Bordeaux

Raphael Ibanez has announced he will leave his position as head coach of Bordeaux-Begles at the end of the season.

The former France captain, who won 98 caps for his country over an 11-year period, took over at the Top 14 club in 2012.

Ibanez has subsequently led the side to a series of mid-table finishes and looks set to do so again this season with Bordeaux sitting eighth.

The news was confirmed via the club’s official website on Monday, just two days after a resounding 46-14 win over Grenoble. 

“After the victory of this weekend, which allows the team to project themselves calmly towards a good end of the season, it is time for me to evoke the future: following exchanges with the players, and [president] Laurent Marti, it appears that changes have to be made,” Ibanez said.

“I confirm today that I will leave the UBB at the end of the season. 

“It is said that ‘love lasts three years’, for me it will have lasted five years with this team! I am proud to have contributed to the development of this club which I hope will grow in the years to come. 

“I thank all the members of the club – players, coaches, members of the board, supporters and partners – for their support on a daily basis. I thank president Laurent Marti for the trust he has placed in me, his unfailing involvement and integrity.”