Scottish legend was a big part of Sergio Parisse coming back to Italy
Sergio Parisse is about to become Italy’s new forwards coach, mainly focusing on the lineout, as they get ready for their first-ever Nations Championship.
The Italian rugby great will finish this season with Toulon, doing the same job, before joining the team he played for in 142 matches during his career.
Parisse will reunite with his old Stade Français coach, Gonzalo Quesada, who now leads Italy. Together, they once won the TOP 14 title and Challenge Cup.
Parisse sounds excited about working with Quesada again. In an official statement, he said, “Going back to Italy and helping grow the national team and rugby in my country is an amazing chance. I’m happy to do it alongside a coach I respected from my playing days at Stade Français, Gonzalo Quesada. Being part of a top-level team and working with players who have great potential and work ethic is inspiring.”
Even though he’s eager now, Parisse shared with Planet Rugby that it took some time to decide. Quesada first asked him in December 2024, but Parisse wanted more coaching experience and to honor his contract with Toulon.
Before deciding to return to Italy as a coach, Parisse asked Scotland’s head coach, Gregor Townsend, for advice. Townsend understands what it’s like to come back to your country as a big name and the challenges of moving from club to international coaching.
Parisse explained, “Gregor told me that coaching Test rugby is different. You have more time to think because you coach fewer games—about ten to twelve a year, instead of nearly thirty in the Top 14. This lets you focus on learning and helping players improve. It’s all about quality, not quantity, which really suits me. I’ve always cared a lot about skills and mental details, and this role gives me a chance to grow in that area. It’s going to be intense, but I’ve always wanted to learn and get better.”