Marie Ibañez is about to reach a new milestone: the Bordeaux winger is set to start for the French national team against Canada in La Rochelle. At 23, just days before her 24th birthday, she joins the national team with an already impressive track record—and much more to tell than her name.
Marie Ibañez: a sporting journey that began at age 15
Contrary to what her family background might suggest, the young player did not grow up with rugby as her only playground. She joined Rugby Côte Sud Landes at 15, after practicing dance, competitive skiing and surfing; as a child, she also played ball on the beaches of Hossegor with her brothers.
Her development then accelerated at Stade Toulousain, which she joined at 18. At 19, just four years after starting in a club, she made her first start with the senior team: a rapid rise, built step by step, without skipping stages.
From Toulouse to the Bordeaux Lionesses
In 2024, Marie Ibañez joined Stade Bordelais. With the Lionesses, she won the French championship in 2025 and then again in 2026, confirming her profile as a player capable of making an impact on a team with high ambitions.
Her journey also shows steady progress over time: from her early years in the Landes to national titles, every step has strengthened her top-level experience. In rugby as in the water, timing matters as much as speed.
A career of her own, despite a well-known name
Her father, Raphaël Ibañez, earned 98 caps for Les Bleus and serves as manager of the French national team. It is a visible legacy, but one that does not define his daughter’s career: Marie says he gives her some advice while letting her build her own game.
Family support comes before technical instructions. She also said that her father is more stressed when she plays than when he was on the field himself—a parental instinct that does not disappear at the highest level.
Key things to know about the young player
- Beginnings: she joined a club at 15, Rugby Côte Sud Landes.
- Toulouse chapter: she joined Stade Toulousain at 18 and started for the senior team at 19.
- Bordeaux honors: two French championship titles, in 2025 and 2026.
- Winger qualities: she scored seven tries in sixteen matches with the Lionesses during the previous season.
These milestones paint the picture of a player developed on the field, with a skill set shaped by several disciplines. Her talent is not just about her blistering speed: her technical progress and confidence have also opened the door to Les Bleues.
First call-up with Les Bleues: a powerful, fast winger
Called up for the first time to a training camp in Marcoussis in January 2026, Marie Ibañez was selected in the starting XV against Canada in La Rochelle. This first match call-up comes against a top-level team, the world runners-up according to information shared before the match.
Head coach François Ratier, who also coached her at club level, highlights her commitment and speed, exceeding 30 km/h. On the wing, these qualities can change the course of a play: you have to hold the line, spot the space and finish when an opening appears.
| Key fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Winger, named on the right wing against Canada |
| Club | Stade Bordelais, with the Lionesses |
| First call-up to training camp | January 2026, in Marcoussis |
| Announced fixture | Canada – France, in La Rochelle, kickoff at 5:45 p.m. |
| Recent statistic | Seven tries in sixteen matches during the previous season |
Her place in the starting lineup comes as part of a reshuffled XV following the victory over Ireland, with three changes announced. For Marie Ibañez, the challenge is clear: turn the experience gained at club level into an immediate impact in the French jersey.
A player profile that meets the demands of women’s rugby
In elite women’s sport, wing positions require both quick game reading and real resilience in one-on-one battles. Marie Ibañez brings a finisher’s profile, as well as defensive work rate and an intensity her coach describes as that of a player who never gives up.
Her first cap is therefore a new launchpad, not a finish line. Against Canada, she will need to turn her qualities into the right decisions, like a surfer choosing the right section at the right moment.
What you need to know about Marie Ibañez before the match against Canada
How old is Marie Ibañez at the time of her first cap?
Born on October 3, 2002, she is 23 at the time of the announced match against Canada in September 2026. She celebrates her 24th birthday a few days later.
What position does Marie Ibañez play?
She plays winger and is named on the right wing for the French women’s XV against Canada.
What club does Marie Ibañez play for?
She plays for Stade Bordelais with the Lionesses, whom she joined in 2024. The team won the French championship in 2025 and 2026.
When did Marie Ibañez start playing rugby?
She started playing club rugby at age 15 with Rugby Côte Sud Landes, after notably practicing dance, competitive skiing, and surfing.