Former Italy captain Sergio Parisse
is set to become the first Italian to enter Rugby’s Hall of
Fame.
World Rugby said Wednesday that the 41-year-old will be inducted
into the Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Monaco on 24 November,
along with four other players – Emilee Cherry (Australia), DJ
Forbes (New Zealand), Donna Kennedy (Scotland), Chris Laidlaw
(New Zealand).
“Arguably Italy’s greatest player and one of the best number
eights the game has ever seen, Sergio Parisse had an incredible
career that spanned more than two decades,” World Rugby said.
“With his white boots and ability to offload and break the line
Parisse was not your conventional forward, but he won the
respect of rugby fans the world over for his dynamic displays
from the back of the scrum, often single-handedly lifting the
Azzurri to greater heights.
“Born in Argentina to Italian parents, Italy’s talisman was
handed his debut by John Kirwan, against the All Blacks in 2002.
“Only three players – Alun Wyn Jones, Samuel Whitelock and
Richie McCaw – have made more test appearances than his final
tally of 142.
One of the select few, including countryman Mauro Bergamasco, to
have played in five Rugby World Cups, Parisse was denied what
would have been a fitting swansong at Japan 2019 when Italy’s
Pool B match against the All Blacks was unfortunately cancelled
due to Typhoon Hagibis.
“While he never graced the test arena again beyond that
tournament, the supremely fit back-row continued playing club
rugby until he was 39.
“In his penultimate game for Toulon, the former Italy captain
lifted the European Rugby Challenge Cup, scoring in the final
against Glasgow Warriors.
“It was his exploits for Stade Français, though, that he was
best known, his poster boy image aligning perfectly with the
bold-thinking Parisian club.
Parisse stayed with Stade Français for the majority of his
domestic career. Between 2005 and 2019, he made 265 appearances
for the club and won the Top 14 title twice and the European
Rugby Challenge Cup once”.
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