Italian rugby icon Sergio Parisse has moved into coaching at Toulon following the end of his legendary playing career.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
The former Italy captain retired after the 2021/22 season at the age of 38, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career that included 142 caps for Italy and more than a decade leading the national side.
Sergio Parisse has since remained at Toulon as part of the club’s coaching setup, working with the next generation after finishing his playing days with the Top 14 side.
SERGIO PARISSE: TOUGHEST OPPONENTS
#5 David Pocock (Australia)
Former Wallabies flanker David Pocock earned 83 caps across an 11-year international career and was widely regarded as one of the most physically dominant players in world rugby.
In 2020, the Zimbabwe-born back-row opted not to return to his Japanese Top League club Panasonic Wild Knights, instead dedicating his time to conservation and environmental activism.
Parisse said:
“Nobody tested me physically as much as Pocock. He was physically the perfect rugby player.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Born in Zimbabwe, Pocock moved to Australia as a teenager and went on to represent the Wallabies at international level.
#4 Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Former France captain Thierry Dusautoir was renowned for his relentless work rate, ferocious tackling, and powerful ball carrying.
He famously set a Rugby World Cup record with 38 tackles against the All Blacks in 2007, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest defensive players the game has ever seen.
Parisse said:
“Dusautoir has to be considered one of the greats. No matter what the occasion, he always brought the same intensity.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Dusautoir was crowned World Rugby Player of the Year in 2011, becoming only the second French player to win the award.
#3 Kieran Read (New Zealand)
All Blacks legend Kieran Read scored 26 tries during his international career and is among the most-capped players in New Zealand rugby history.
Across an 11-year Test career, the dynamic No.8 played more than 127 Tests for the All Blacks.
Parisse said:
“I think Kieran Read was underrated compared to some of his teammates. Relentless.”
DID YOU KNOW?
In the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours, Read was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to rugby.
#2 Jonny Wilkinson (England)
England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson won 91 caps and will forever be remembered for his legendary drop goal that secured the 2003 Rugby World Cup in the dying seconds of extra time against Australia.
Despite battling multiple injuries throughout his career, Wilkinson returned to help England reach the 2007 World Cup Final and also toured twice with the British & Irish Lions.
Parisse said:
“He has something about him that made him different. It’s hard to explain.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Wilkinson’s brother Mark Wilkinson also played for Newcastle Falcons, making 16 Premiership appearances between 2002 and 2005.
#1 Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
At the top of Parisse’s list is All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, widely considered one of the greatest players in rugby history.
McCaw became the first All Black to reach 100 Test caps and the first rugby union player to win 100 Tests. He retired with 148 caps, holding the world record at the time.
Parisse said:
“McCaw was an inspirational leader and a world-class operator.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Since retiring, McCaw has become a helicopter pilot and even flew rescue and reconnaissance missions following the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake in New Zealand.
EDITORS PICKS:
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading