Report: Sergio Parisse To Delay Retirement After Meeting With New Italy Coach

At 32, Sergio Parisse remains very much the main man for the Italian rugby team. While the Azzurri look set for the Wooden Spoon this year, the Stade Francais number 8 has still be immense.

However, it is unclear how long he still has left at the top, and one must ponder how the Italians will cope with his retirement.

Jacques Brunel is stepping down as head coach of the side, and many things remain up in the air.

Reports in France yesterday have given Italian rugby fans a major boost.

Outgoing Harlequins coach Conor O’Shea has been widely linked with becoming the main man at the Stadio Olimpico, and Midi Olympique have reported that he sat down with Parisse to discuss the coming years.

The number 8 and captain appears to have agreed to staying on until the end of the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

According to @midi_olympique Sergio Parisse & incoming Italy coach Conor O’Shea have been having fruitful discussions of late. As a result..

— gavin mortimer (@gavinmortimer7) March 14, 2016

…the great Italian No8 has aborted plans to retire from Test rugby & will lead Italy to the 2019 RWC. But he won’t go on June tours

— gavin mortimer (@gavinmortimer7) March 14, 2016

Italy travel to Cardiff for their final Six Nations game this Saturday, hoping to take a scalp at the Principality Stadium.

Although the Welsh may end up doing a number on them, this news today will raise spirits within Italian rugby.

_____

Heineken Rugby Club celebrates and rewards real supporters who make the game what it is.

Heineken Rugby Club – where rugby meets the world.