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Sergio Parisse may make history at Rugby World Cup 2023. The former Italian captain could play in a 6th Rugby World Cup. The native of Argentina is still professional rugby at the elite level at the age of 39.
Asked about the possibility of a return to the test arena for Italy and for a possible place on the roster for RWC 2023, in May 2022 Parisse commented:
“Just talking about this is already wonderful but one should always look reality in the face, and at 38 the World Cup is a little further away than it might seem. The important thing is that if I am there it is not a gift for my past, I want Italy to take the strongest possible team to the World Cup and, only if I deserve it, I will be part of it. I’ll be the first to say yes if this possibility exists.”
In March 2023 Italian Head Coach Kieran Crowley noted that Sergio Parisse remains in the frame for World cup selection. If he is selected it will be at the age of 40.
Selection for RWC 2023 would see Parisse becoming the first player in history to play in six Rugby World Cups. He is presently one of three players to have appeared in five Rugby World Cups. Brian Lima played for Samoa at RWCs 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007. This made his the first player to appear in five Rugby World Cups.
Former Italian flanker Mauro Bergamasco played with Parisse at multiple Rugby World Cups. Bergamasco’s five RWCs were 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015. Parisse’s first was in 2003. He also played at RWCs 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019. If Parisse were to play at RWC 2019 then it is a record that would be incredibly hard to beat.
Parisse is synonymous with records. In 2019 he became the first player to captain a country in 50 test Six Nations matches. His 69 caps in the tournament are another Six Nations record.
From La Plata, Argentina, Parisse debuted against New Zealand in June 2022 at the age of 18. He quickly cemented his place in the side as he played against Canada, New Zealand, Tonga, and Wales at RWC 2003. Six years after making his debut he earned his 50th test cap and was also named Captain of Italy.
Parisse is a two-time nomineee for World Rugby Player of the Year award. He is recognized as Italy’s greatest player of all-time. In 2016 he led Italy to a history-making win over South Africa. In 2023 he may add another notable item to his resumé, if he plays in a record 6th Rugby World Cup.
