Former Italy skipper Sergio Parisse to retire at end of 2022/23 season

Former Italy skipper Sergio Parisse has announced his decision to retire from professional rugby at end of 2022/23 season.

Parisse previously announced he will retire from international rugby at end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup but with Italy's final game of the tournament against New Zealand was cancelled due to typhoon he changed his decision.

He was also planning on international retirement during the Six Nations 2021 tournament but once again reversed his decision.

“I will finish next June. I know that after twenty years in professional rugby, there will be difficult moments,” Parisse told French rugby website Rugbyrama.

“I know that I will miss rugby and I am trying to prepare myself for this period of my life in the best possible conditions.”

The 39-year-old made his professional rugby debut with Benetton Treviso in 2003 but spent most of his career with Stade Français after racking up over 250 appearances with them between 2005 and 2019 before joining Toulon.

He is also the most-capped Italy player with 143 Test appearances and is still hoping to have one final display at the international level despite not being part of the Six Nations squad announced by Kieran Crowley.

“I haven’t given up on my international career. I still think I’m on the radar and if the coach calls me I’ll be happy to answer his call,” the Argentine-born Parisse said.

“In the meantime, I’m trying to concentrate on the things I can control: my fitness, my lifestyle, my performances.”