"What a way to stay goodbye" - Sergio Parisse retires in style with try in cup final
Rugby NewsSaturday, 20 May 2023 at 08:58
Toulon claimed their first ever Challenge Cup title after they eased past Glasgow Warriors 43-19 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Friday.
Retiring Italian great Sergio Parisse could barely bring himself to the leave the pitch, his country's flag draped around him as he took in every last second at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
One hundred and forty two Italy caps, appearances in five World Cups, two Challenge Cups, two French Top 14 titles and many great memories.
"It means a lot," Parisse told BT Sport after Toulon's 43-19 win. "It's difficult to put some words on emotions.
"It's good for the team, for me personally, it's important - I try to enjoy every moment with the team, and I'm really happy because I think we really deserve the win.
"I'm Italian, so I'm emotional in everything I do. Tonight it was about just trying to enjoy, and just happy to play with this group, and happy to finish my career with Toulon. Just enjoy it, and have a good night in Dublin with the boys."
SERGIO PARISSE DREAM TEAM:
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
- 14. Shane Williams (Wales)
- 11. Bryan Habana (South Africa)
CENTRES:
- 13. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
- 12. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)
HALFBACKS:
- Fly-half: Jonny Wilkinson (England)
- Scrum-half: Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
FRONT-ROW:
- Loosehead-prop: Os du Randt (South Africa)
- Hooker: Leonardo Ghiraldini (Italy)
- Tighthead-prop: Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy)
DID YOU KNOW? In football, Sergio Parisse supports Inter Milan in Serie A along with the Italian national team.
SECOND-ROW:
- Lock: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
- Lock: Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
BACK-ROW:
- Blindside-flanker: Mauro Bergamasco (Italy)
- Openside-flanker: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
- Number 8: Kieran Read (New Zealand)
DID YOU KNOW? Parisse has been twice nominated for the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year award. He remains the only Italian player to ever be nominated
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