The World Rugby Hall of Fame recognises those who have made an outstanding contribution to the game of rugby throughout their careers, while also demonstrating rugby’s character-building values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect.
Former Wallaby great John Eales, a World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee and Chairman of the Hall of Fame panel, congratulated Parisse on his induction: "Sergio’s selection celebrates a brilliant career and highlights Italy’s growing achievements amid rugby's expansion worldwide.” Sergio Parisse (Italy)
World Rugby Hall of Fame – Inductee No.169
Arguably Italy’s greatest player and one of the best number eights the game has ever seen, Sergio Parisse had an incredible career that spanned more than two decades. His time in the Azzurri jersey saw him become synonymous with the Guinness Men's Six Nations, his style of play appealing to a new generation of rugby fans - many of whom are now representing Italy.
With his white boots and ability to offload and break the line Parisse was not your conventional forward, but he won the respect of rugby fans the world over for his dynamic displays from the back of the scrum, often single-handedly lifting the Azzurri to greater heights.
Born in Argentina to Italian parents, Italy’s talisman was handed his debut by John Kirwan, against the All Blacks in 2002. Only three players – Alun Wyn Jones, Samuel Whitelock and Richie McCaw – have made more test appearances than his final tally of 142.
One of the select few, including countryman Mauro Bergamasco, to have played in five Rugby World Cups, Parisse was denied what would have been a fitting swansong at Japan 2019 when Italy’s Pool B match against the All Blacks was unfortunately cancelled due to Typhoon Hagibis.
While he never graced the test arena again beyond that tournament, the supremely fit back-row continued playing club rugby until he was 39. In his penultimate game for Toulon, the former Italy captain lifted the European Rugby Challenge Cup, scoring in the final against Glasgow Warriors.
It was his exploits for Stade Français, though, that he was best known, his poster boy image aligning perfectly with the bold-thinking Parisian club.
Parisse stayed with Stade Français for the majority of his domestic career. Between 2005 and 2019, he made 265 appearances for the club and won the Top 14 title twice and the European Rugby Challenge Cup once.
World Rugby Hall of Fame 2024 inductees No.167 – Emilee Cherry (Australia) No.168 – DJ Forbes (New Zealand) No.169 – Sergio Parisse (Italy) No.170 – Donna Kennedy (Scotland) No.171 – Chris Laidlaw (New Zealand)
For more information on the World Rugby Hall of Fame, visit www.world.rugby/halloffame.
