SARACENS have captured the signature of the French international hooker Raphael Ibanez from Castres, in what will be seen as a major transfer coup for the Men in Black.

Capped 63 times for his country, Ibanez captained France in the 2003 Grand Slam and is set to be a major influence for Les Bleus in their quest to win the World Cup this Autumn, although is also looking forward to the challenge he will face on his return to Vicarage Road.

"Rugby is a passion and I enjoy training and playing. I’m very much looking forward to playing for Saracens and becoming a member of the squad. Getting to know new people is always great and I’m certain that me and my family will enjoy the experience of living and working in England,” Ibanez told the official Saracens website earlier today.

“In my move to Saracens I know that I can keep getting better as a player with so many talented players in the squad, and the tough competition in the league. It’s hard to imagine exactly what it will be like, but I can’t wait to see. I have known the French rugby system for some ten years, and want this as a rugby challenge,” Ibanez added.