Ibanez retires thanks to successive concussions

Crash

Thought i'd throw this one up, as its really the other big story of the day other than the 3 Englanders defective to the french clubs.

http://planetrugby.com/Story/0,18259,3823_4934681,00.html

Planetrugby.com wrote:

Ibañez retires on his birthday

Tuesday 17th February 2009

Calling it a day: Ibañez was capped 98 times





In an eventful day at Wasps, club captain Raphaël Ibañez has retired from rugby with immediate effect due to a series of complex concussions.

The 98-times capped former French skipper has been forced to call it a day on medical grounds and announced the news on Tuesday, which is actually his 36th birthday.

Ibañez sustained an initial concussion against Worcester in September 2008 before suffering further head injuries against Leinster in Dublin and Sale at Adams Park earlier this season.

He has since undergone a number of investigations whilst completing a recommended two month period of rest.

Subsequently Ibañez has attempted to gradually integrate back into training, however, he is still symptomatic when undertaking physical exertion.

Following a reassessment by London Wasps' neurosurgeon and neurologist last week the decision has been made by the medical team, coaches and Ibañez to stop playing with immediate effect as the risk of serious injury are too great to warrant an attempt to play again.

The likeable Frenchman, who joined reigning Guinness Premiership champions in 2005, has enjoyed great success as part of the Wasps outfit successfully collecting silverware in every competition since his arrival.

Appointed club captain at the beginning of the 2008/09 season, Ibañez will continue his involvement with the club working with the coaches and players this season.

Pretty awful situation to be in,5 months or so on and still suffering the effects. Are we going to see more of this as everyone gets bigger and heavier, or will it still just be the few odd cases?

Trojan

Wow, Wasps are really haemorraghing players at the moment.

murphym7

Not to be a drama queen about it, but I think this could be the start of it.

Players who have been in the professional game since the start could be nursing some serious injuries. Injuries like Knee's, hips, backs etc......

If you think about it players, particulary in the forwards, have been battering their bodies for years. I hope the fitness and medical staff have been looking after them. Although when you read the diffrent players books they all mention getting injections before games to allow them play/train.

Have a look at Donal Lenihan, he played in the amatuer days and he is fairly goosed, his back is wrecked I think. He can't stand straigh and walks with a stoop.

anonymous_joe

Going Waterforward wrote: »

Thought i'd throw this one up, as its really the other big story of the day other than the 3 Englanders defective to the french clubs.

http://planetrugby.com/Story/0,18259,3823_4934681,00.html



Pretty awful situation to be in,5 months or so on and still suffering the effects. Are we going to see more of this as everyone gets bigger and heavier, or will it still just be the few odd cases?

Depends on the ELVs.

A lot of players have had to lose weight, but with plenty of props and forwards weighing more than 18 stone it's still going to happen.

jam_on_toast

Oddly titled thread. "thanks to", "due to" would be better.

Besides grammar, he was a fine player, won a fair few trophies in his time.

Agree with above, 4 wasps players gone in one day. Wonder if Cipriani will head off too?