Parisse first Italian to enter World Rugby Hall of Fame

(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 20 - Former Italy captain Sergio Parisse is set to become the first Italian to enter Rugby's Hall of Fame.
    World Rugby said Wednesday that the 41-year-old will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Monaco on 24 November, along with four other players - Emilee Cherry (Australia), DJ Forbes (New Zealand), Donna Kennedy (Scotland), Chris Laidlaw (New Zealand).
    "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," World Rugby said.
    "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". (ANSA).