2023-10-05 11:55:00
The eye of Sergio Parisse on France – Italy
Never, until now, has Sergio Parisse agreed to open up about his non-selection for the World Cup in France. Categorical refusal. With five World Cups to his credit (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019), the Italian giant could, by participating in this one, in his adopted country, become THE player with the most participations in a Global. Just that. A record which, in modern rugby, now seems unattainable.
But that won’t be the case. Kieran Crowley, the Italian coach, decided otherwise. Sergio Parisse, legend of his sport, will therefore remain stuck at 142 caps. Now fully immersed in his duties as sideline coach at the Toulon Rugby club, he finally, at the dawn of France-Italy, decided to give himself up for Var-matin. And when Sergio Parisse speaks, we sit down and listen.
Since 2003, you have won five World Cups. In the end, it’s the first time that you find yourself in front of the TV, as a “simple” spectator. What does it do?
(He breathes) Ah… it’s special. I was in Paris for the opening match. Honestly, I’ve been so focused on my new coaching journey, which requires a lot of work, that I haven’t really had time to sit down as a spectator. I’ve done five World Cups. I know so much what it means to experience a World Cup that I almost look at it with nostalgia. I say to myself: “Those moments were good.” But I am peaceful about my career.
That’s to say?
I tried to do everything I could to participate. Meet all the conditions to make my sixth World Cup. The coach decided otherwise. But I’m not going to sit here and cry. I’ve switched to the coaching side now. Without having any regrets. Obviously making a sixth World Cup would have been magical and incredible. But can I regret anything? No. Because I did everything possible. I played until I was 39, finished my career with a European title with my club… I couldn’t ask for more.
Are you able, in the stands or in front of the TV, to really enjoy a match? To vibrate like a supporter?
I was with my wife at the Stade de France and I admit, I focused on the Blacks warming up (laughs). What they did, what their workshops were… I took note. I was a bit into analysis. I don’t think I see the match as a spectator but rather by saying to myself: “What interesting things can I learn?” While knowing that I don’t like coaches who copy and paste what they see. I have my beliefs and my ideas. I try to innovate while drawing inspiration from what I like.
During this World Cup, you also work as a consultant on a television channel. Tell us about this role which is also brand new…
I work with ITV, an English broadcaster with former players. Guys I’ve played against my whole career (smile). Wilkinson, O’Driscoll, Roberts, Laidlaw… mostly British players. We analyze the match, we take stock of the half-time where we dissect the actions. It’s always good to talk and get other players’ perspectives. I like this role of consultant even if, to tell you the truth, I am really focused on the coaching side (laughing).
You recently confided in our columns that during the off-season, you were aware that you would not take part in the World Cup in France. How was this decision made?
After the Six Nations tournament, I went to Italy to see the leaders. I knew that after my last season at Toulon, I was going to start coaching. I needed to prepare and organize myself with the club. If I did a World Cup, I would have the preparation part and the competition far from the RCT. We had to put someone in place here who would start without me. It was complicated. However, I had the support of Pierre [Mignoni] and the president [Bernard Lemaitre] who never closed the door on me. Even if obviously, it still suited them well if I didn’t do it (laughs). In any case, they never tried to block me and I am extremely grateful for that.
Have you met the coach, Kieran Crowley, or the president of the Italian Federation?
Yes. Finally… I made a trip to see the president and the coach. I needed to know if they were going to take me or not. Knowing that at 39, they didn’t need me to prove who I was. I just had to know if I was physically ready or not to participate. They already knew what I could give, what I couldn’t give. It was up to them to decide whether my presence could be a plus for the selection or not. I have always said that the most important thing is the team.
How was the meeting organized?
I made the return trip during the day. But unfortunately, at that point, the coach left. He had apparently misunderstood our meeting. I was only able to speak with the president. The coach was on vacation for a month in New Zealand. When we played Treviso at Mayol, he was still there and after the match against La Rochelle on Sunday, he came to talk. We had a bite to eat and he told me, at that moment, that he was thinking about not taking me. He gave me technical reasons that I prefer not to say publicly. I find these things difficult to hear. Quite incomprehensible things. He’s the coach, I respect, but it might make him pretty uncomfortable. I just know that, for my part, I controlled everything I could on the pitch.
You don’t seem to understand this decision. Do you feel like your sixth World Cup was “stolen” from you?
I don’t think they stole from me, no. I still believe in destiny. I would have had a really hard time swallowing it if I wasn’t playing with my club, if I was injured or something like that. But there, no. For me, things were clear, obvious. I feel peaceful and calm because I showed on the pitch that I was there, present. The coach makes his choices, that’s all. That’s life. I can look at myself in the mirror and tell myself that I have done everything possible. I could have been there. I should have ? I don’t know. I leave that to others.
You could have become the only player in the world to participate in six World Cups…
It’s true. It’s a shame for me, it’s a shame for the story. For Italy and the federation. It was the opportunity to write history, I maintain that. And not just mine. We could have what no other nation in the world has and certainly never will. There are only five players who have made five World Cups. I’m part of. Doing a sixth grade, given today’s rugby, was an opportunity to stay in the books. But I’m not going to cry. I accept, it’s my destiny.
Since the start of the World Cup, with your new role as consultant, you have commented on Italy. Did you have the desire or the opportunity to go see the players?
No not at all. I am often in contact with Michele Lamaro, the captain. We exchange messages. But having been to the World Cup, I know that it is a competition which belongs to the players. It’s their story. Yes, I know that my presence would please a lot of people. But it’s their bubble. If I have something to say, I don’t need to do an interview or show off. I send a message. I know everyone (smile). They don’t need to have me physically. They have my support, they always will. It’s obvious.
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