Largely considered one of the best Italian forwards in history, Parisse is a fantastic player to watch and a nightmare to play against. His ability to position himself correctly in the line out and tenacity with the ball in hand makes him a force to be reckoned with.
He made his international debut at just 18 years of age against New Zealand in Hamilton in 2002. He was the first-ever Italian player to be nominated for the IRB player of the year award. An ever-present in the Italian team at number 8, Parisse went to the 2015 World Cup to represent his country on the global stage for the 4th time.
He played all Italy's games at RWC 2003 a month after his 20th birthday and went on to appear in four Rugby World Cup tournaments, skippering them in the last two.
He played with Treviso for 4 years until he signed with Stade Francais in 2005. French Championship winner with Stade Francais in 2007 and captained them to title in 2015. He was a finalist in the European Challenge Cup 2011 and 2013, skippering both times. Parisse was named Top 14 Player of the Season for 2014/2015.
He started more RBS 6 Nations games for Italy than any other player and has never been on the bench. He is the fourth most experienced test skipper of all time captaining Italy on 73 occasions and is the most capped Italian player ever.
The centre captained Italy to their victory over South Africa in Florence in November - his country's first-ever win over one of the southern hemisphere's 'big three'.
Still regarded as one of the finest no.8s in world rugby, Parisse captained the Azzurri in the 2018 6 Nations and was the most capped player in the squad with 138 caps.
In June 2019, he confirmed that he would leave Stade Francais following 15 years, 258 appearances and scoring 238 points for the club.
He later signed a one-year deal with RC Toulon and joined the club after the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
In June 2020, he signed a new deal with the French giants.
(LS June 12, 2020)
Career
 |
Benetton Rugby No. 8 |
2003 - 2005 |
 |
Barbarians No. 8 |
2013 - 2013 |
 |
Stade Francais No. 8 |
2005 - 2019 |
 |
Italy No. 8 |
2002 - 2020 |
 |
RC Toulon No. 8 |
2019 - 2023 |
