Sergio Parisse turns down Italy call up to remain with Toulon

Italy legend Sergio Parisse has revealed that he has turned down the chance of representing his country one final time during this year's Six Nations.

The most capped Italian international (142) was left out of the latest Italy squad for the remaining Six Nations matches against Scotland and Wales.

It was believed that Parisse would be called into the squad by Kieran Crowley once he recovered from his hand injury and got some game time under his belt.

However, Parisse has revealed that this is not the case and that he has turned down a call up to the Azzuri squad.

"I discussed it with the coach [Kieran Crowley] and the president of the Italian Federation," Parisse explained at a press conference.

"I was planning to play one more game with the Azzuri and I had not taken into account that we [Toulon] would have had three games late to play.

"I didn't expect us to be in this position in the standings. So there are several things that made me tell the Italian team that I preferred to stay here in Toulon."

Toulon current sit 12th on the overall standings in the Top 14 and have big games against La Rochelle and Montpellier coming up.

"Since I arrived in Toulon, I have always said that my priority was the club. So I decided to stay there because we have important matches to come against Montpellier and La Rochelle," he added.

"I want to stay in Toulon given our situation. I want to help the club get out of this situation. Otherwise yes, I could have been available for Italy. But in agreement with the Italian team, I informed them of my decision to stay in Toulon. There is disappointment on their part, me the first too. But in life you have to make choices and this is the most coherent choice."

Parisse's final match for Italy has been delayed multiple times, the first was due to the typhoon which cancelled the Rugby World Cup match between Italy and New Zealand. The pandemic denied him the opportunity to bid the fans farewell thereafter.

Asked if he would ever play a final game for Itlaly, Parisse said:

"We never know. Three years ago I would never have thought of wearing the Toulon jersey one day. Now I'm here and even if I haven't been here for a long time, I feel fully invested with the club. So you never know in life.”