Parisse made his
World Cup debut against NZ in 2003Italians open tournament against outsiders NamibiaSergio Parisse’s run at the Rugby World Cup has been more like a marathon than a sprint. The 36-year-old backrower will join his former teammate Mauro Bergamasco and ex-Samoa midfielder Brian Lima as the only players to compete in five Rugby World Cups when he leads
Italy out against Namibia in a Pool B game on Sunday at Hanazono Rugby Stadium.
Parisse’s career highlights are a testament to his longevity in the rough-and-tumble sport. The match against No 23-ranked Namibia will be his 141st cap, moving him level with Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll in second place on the all-time list, seven behind former
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw’s record for most international appearances.