The former captain of France arrived at the club in 2005 and has since helped Wasps to honours in the Powergen Cup in 2006, Heineken Cup in 2007 and Guinness Premiership last May.

And now Ibanez has been given the chance to takeover the armband following Lawrence Dallaglio’s retirement.

Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan said: “Raf is one of the nicest, most committed rugby players I have ever come across; a very genuine person who I would definitely call a friend as well as a colleague.

“He has been an immense captain for France throughout his international career and one of the great players among the Wasps squad throughout the last three seasons.

“The decision to appoint him as club captain was an easy one.”