The video that proves Sergio Parisse could still play Test rugby
When Sergio Parisse signed for Toulon on 2019 at the age of 36, no one really knew how much the legendary No8 had to give after such a long career for both Italy and Stade Francais. But who would ever doubt Parisse?
The 142-cap international brought exactly what he had brought to every team he played for throughout his career, culminating in a Challenge Cup trophy in the penultimate game of his career.
Parisse scored a try in Toulon’s Challenge Cup win over Glasgow Warriors in Dublin, and a week later was receiving a standing ovation from the Stade Mayol faithful in his final game- a win over Bordeaux Begles. While Toulon did not qualify for the Top 14 play-offs, this was still a nice way to sign off for the legend.
The tragedy is that he never got his international swan song. He was set to play his final ever match for Italy against the All Blacks at the 2019 World Cup, but was deprived of that opportunity due to Typhoon Hagibis. He put his international retirement on hold for a few months, and was due to feature at some point in the final match of the 2020 Six Nations against England in Rome. Covid-19 hit and he was robbed of that opportunity again.
Since then Parisse has not had any part to play in Italy rugby, but when looking at his highlights of his time in Toulon, he clearly is not a player that is over the hill and extending his career unnecessarily. Italy have a burgeoning crop of back rows at the moment, meaning Parisse is not needed, but if he were to be called up to play in one of Italy’s World Cup warm-up matches, he still would not be out of place in international rugby.
Take a look at his highlights over the past four years and see for yourself:
