MY LIFE IN PICTURES… SERGIO PARISSE

“I’ve a passionate character so I know I have to get the balance right in talking to referees. Over the years I’ve learnt a lot about the psychology of referees: how they react to pressure and how they talk to players.

“I always try to treat them with respect. I don’t have resentment if decisions go against me. But I do think subconsciously some refs whistle against ‘smaller’ nations, because it’s easier to penalise the likes of Italy than New Zealand.”