A Legendary Farewell Postponed: Parisse Prioritizes Toulon Amidst Relegation Battle
Italian rugby icon Sergio Parisse, at 38 years old, will not be joining the Azzurri for the remainder of the Six Nations tournament. This decision, a departure from initial expectations set by coach Kieran Crowley, comes as the veteran third-row forward chooses to dedicate his efforts to his club, the Rugby Club Toulonnais, currently embroiled in a fierce battle against relegation in the Top 14.
Parisse, who boasts an extraordinary 142 caps for Italy, explained his decision during a press conference, citing the unexpected scheduling of three late-season matches for the national team. “I hadn’t factored in these additional games,” he admitted. “Our current position in the standings also played a significant role in my choice.”
The legendary captain’s international farewell has been repeatedly delayed. First,a typhoon forced the cancellation of italy’s final match at the 2019 World cup,and then the COVID-19 pandemic prevented him from bidding farewell to Italian fans on home soil.
Parisse, known for his unwavering commitment to Toulon, reiterated his long-standing priority: “As joining Toulon, I’ve always maintained that the club comes first, with italy being a bonus.” He emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches against Montpellier and La Rochelle, stating, “I want to help the club navigate this challenging situation.”
While acknowledging the disappointment felt by both himself and the Italian team, Parisse stressed the necessity of making difficult choices. “Life frequently enough requires us to make tough decisions, and this is the most logical one for me at this time,” he explained.The question remains: will we witness Parisse donning the blue jersey of Italy again? The veteran remains open to the possibility, stating, “Three years ago, I never envisioned myself playing for Toulon.Now,I’m fully invested in the club,so you never know what the future holds.”
This sentiment will undoubtedly resonate with Toulon supporters, who are understandably anxious about their team’s precarious position in the Top 14. Currently sitting in 12th place, just two points ahead of Perpignan, Toulon faces a crucial away match against bottom-placed Biarritz this Saturday. With two games in hand, this encounter is pivotal in their fight for survival.
