Sergio Parisse agrees one-year deal with Toulon
April 7, 2018 - Paris, France - Stade Francais Flanker SERGIO PARISSE in action during the French rugby championship Top 14 match between Stade Francais and Clermont at Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris - France..Stade Francais won 50-13 (Credit Image: © Pierre Stevenin via ZUMA Wire)
Italy legend Sergio Parisse will be continuing his professional career in 2019/20 after Toulon announced that he had joined the three-time European champions on a one-year deal.
Stade Francais confirmed that the number eight had departed the club on Friday after 14 seasons with the side from the capital.
Parisse still had a year to run at the Parisians but reportedly fell out with head coach Heyneke Meyer, leading to a mutual termination of his contract.
The Azzurri’s skipper will join the 2014 domestic champions following the completion of their World Cup campaign and will bolster the Stade Mayol side’s back-row options.
Patrice Collazo’s men struggled in 2018/19 but improved towards the end of the season and Parisse’s leadership will be crucial as they attempt to become a force in France and Europe once again.
“I am someone who respects people enormously and I have a lot of respect for Toulon and the two people who are by my side, namely Mourad Boudjellal and Patrice Collazo,” the back-rower told reporters.
“They want to believe in me, so I think it’s disrespectful to be here to introduce myself to my new club and talk about my situation with Stade Français.
“I leave Paris without regret and with my head up, and with my values. I think that’s the most important thing in life. That’s what I can say about my situation. “