Italy legend Sergio Parisse is not planning on hanging up his boots just yet, signing a new one-year contract extension at Top 14 outfit Toulon.
The 36-year-old, who has 142 caps for his country, was planning on retiring from international rugby with a final appearance for the Azzurri at last year’s Rugby World Cup.
But he was denied a farewell appearance when Italy’s final pool match against New Zealand in Japan was cancelled because of Typhoon Hagibis, eyeing up a final showing in this year’s Championship instead.
He was hoping to line up for Franco Smith’s side in Italy’s last home game against England, only for his plans to be scuppered once again by the coronavirus pandemic.
However, Parisse enjoyed an impressive start to the 2019/20 season with Toulon following his move from Stade Français, making ten appearances before the season was halted.
And he has now confirmed he will remain at Toulon until at least the end of the 2020/21 campaign, with the back-rower hoping nothing else will get in the way of his deserved send-off.
Parisse has joined a number of players in recommitting to the French side, with Les Bleus captain Charles Ollivon also among the batch of 11 players to agree contract extensions.
