Parisse to say goodbye in Rome
NEWS: Italy legend Sergio Parisse revealed that he will play his final Test for his country on home soil during this year’s Six Nations tournament.
The 36-year-old also revealed will not be available for the entire tournament.
Italy play two Tests in Rome during the tournament – against Scotland in Round Three on February 22 and against England in the final round on March 14. It will be in one of those Tests where Parisse will bid farewell.
Parisse was denied the opportunity to win his 143rd Test for his country during last year’s World Cup when Italy’s final pool game against the All Blacks was cancelled because of Typhoon Hagibis.
“I told [head coach Franco] Smith of my desire to end my international career in Rome in front of my family, friends and fans,” said Parisse in an interview with Corriere dello Sport and reported by www.onrugby.it.
“It is fitting that I deserve another match, because I can’t finish with a game cancelled by the typhoon.
“I will face Scotland, England or both, but I will certainly not play all of the Six Nations. The national team needs to develop other players with leadership skills.
“If I was in the squad permanently – or even more if I was captain – I would occupy certain spaces and it’s time for others to take my place.”
Sources: @SixNationsRugby, Corriere dello Sport & www.onrugby.it
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