Parisse to lead Stade out of doldrums

Toulon battle Racing 92 for 4th spot

PARIS, Dec 30, (AFP): Sergio Parisse has been a stalwart for Stade Francais, an ever-present since his arrival in Paris in 2005.

But the Italy captain, an inspirational No 8, finds his Stade team floundering this season, 11th in the Top 14, with a new coach in Greg Cooper in place of Gonzalo Quesada and the announced departure of several senior players at season’s end.

It is certainly a time of flux for the club based in the shadow of the Parc des Princes at their state-of-the-art Stade Jean-Bouin, with the likes of Rabah Slimani, Hugo Bonneval and Rapahael Lakafia all heading off for pastures new next year.

“I ask myself questions,” Parisse told L’Equipe newspaper when asked whether he was worried for the future of the club.

“It’s why I asked to meet (owner) Thomas Savare and his father JeanPierre to better understand the club’s project and get some replies.”

Parisse has always been known as a fierce competitor, notably when winning 121 caps for an Italian national side that has for long times struggled.

“I’m 33 years of age, I’ve extended my contract until 2020, I could say to In this Nov 19, 2016 file photo, Italy’s Sergio Parisse (second left), escapes with the ball during the rugby union Test match between Italy and South

Africa at the Armio Franchi Stadium in Florence. (AFP)