An emotional week for Italy legend Sergio Parisse culminated in a sending-off against Toulouse in the Top 14 on Saturday.
Parisse made a hash of his tackle on Pierre-Louis Barassi, lifting the centre off the ground and driving him into the turf.
The referee and TMO reviewed the tackle and promptly sent the Toulon no.8 off 34 minutes into the match.
🟥 Sergio Parisse sent off versus Toulouse. pic.twitter.com/EY2BjaSyQp
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) February 18, 2023
Parisse accepted the decision shaking the referee’s hand before departing the pitch. Scenes afterwards showed Parisse crying in the dressing room.
Heartbreaking week for Parisse
In the week building up to the match, Parisse lost his father, with the 39-year-old opting to play the game despite the heartbreaking news.
“There was the death of Sergio’s dad, the birth of Cheslin’s child (Kolbe), the next day they were both in training and wanted to play,” Toulon manager Franck Azema said.
After the week he had, Parisse’s emotions were intensified, understandably so, and he broke down in the dressing room following his red card.
Teammates Raphaël Lakafia and Mathieu Bastareaud joined him in the dressing room to offer comfort.
Sergio Parise crying in the locker room after getting a red card against Toulouse. from rugbyunion
Reports suggested that the Italian legend could get a Test recall during the Six Nations.
In an exclusive with Planet Rugby, he admitted that he hadn’t given up on representing his country one more time.
“I am always available for my country, now and even to the Rugby World Cup if fit and in form. And yes, a sixth Rugby World Cup would honestly be a dream, but it’s very much an outside hope,” he said.
His red card and possible suspension that goes with it will likely rule him out of featuring in the Six Nations for the Azzurri this tournament.
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He announced that he would retire at the end of the current season, bringing his glittering playing career to a close.
Despite his second off, Toulon went on to win the match 17-6.