Sergio Parisse’s all-time XV is nothing short of sensational
Rugby NewsSaturday, 13 December 2025 at 20:47
“I think Kieran Read was underrated compared to some of his teammates. Relentless.”
Italy and Toulon icon Sergio Parisse has lifted the lid on the players who left the biggest impression on him throughout a legendary career.
Parisse made his Test debut aged just 18 in a brutal 64–10 loss to the All Blacks in 2002. He would go on to earn 142 caps for Italy, becoming one of the most respected No.8s of the professional era.
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DID YOU KNOW? Parisse was born in La Plata, Argentina, to Italian parents and remains the only Italian ever nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year (twice).
BACK THREE
15. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
One of the most dangerous broken-field runners of his generation. A former Scotland captain, Hogg combined pace, footwork and a huge left boot to torment defences for club and country.
14. Shane Williams (Wales)
Wales’ all-time leading try scorer and the 2008 World Rugby Player of the Year. Electric acceleration and unbelievable balance made Williams a nightmare on the wing.
11. Bryan Habana (South Africa)
A true global superstar. Habana scored 67 Test tries for the Springboks and was a key figure in their 2007 World Cup triumph, blending sprinter speed with ruthless finishing.
CENTRES
13. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
One of the greatest centres to ever play the game. Renowned for his vision, footwork and defensive reads, O’Driscoll captained Ireland and remains their most iconic player.
12. Mirco Bergamasco (Italy)
A fierce competitor and Italian stalwart. Bergamasco’s physicality, work rate and versatility made him a cornerstone of Italy’s backline for more than a decade.
HALFBACKS
10. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
The ultimate big-game operator. England’s World Cup-winning fly-half in 2003, Wilkinson was defined by precision, control and relentless standards.
Parisse on Wilkinson:
“He has something about him that made him different. It’s hard to explain.”
“He has something about him that made him different. It’s hard to explain.”
9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
Widely regarded as one of the best scrum-halves in history. Smith’s speed of pass, game management and consistency were central to the All Blacks’ dominance.
FRONT ROW
1. Os du Randt (South Africa)
A two-time Rugby World Cup winner and one of the toughest looseheads ever. Du Randt was renowned for his scrummaging power and durability at the highest level.
2. Leonardo Ghiraldini (Italy)
A reliable and highly respected hooker, Ghiraldini captained Italy and was admired for his leadership, accuracy at set-piece and tireless work ethic.
3. Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy)
A cult hero of the game. Ferocious in the scrum and surprisingly mobile, Castrogiovanni was one of Italy’s most influential forwards of the professional era.
DID YOU KNOW? Parisse supports Inter Milan and the Italian national football team.
SECOND ROW
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
The most-capped player in rugby history. Jones built his legacy on leadership, durability and an unmatched appetite for work in the tight exchanges.
5. Marco Bortolami (Italy)
A classy lock and former Italy captain. Bortolami brought athleticism, intelligence and lineout excellence to the Azzurri pack.
BACK ROW
6. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Dusautoir was one of the greatest flankers of all time. A relentless defender who thrived on the biggest stages.
Parisse on Dusautoir:
“Dusautoir has to be considered one of the greats. No matter what the occasion, he always brought the same intensity.”
“Dusautoir has to be considered one of the greats. No matter what the occasion, he always brought the same intensity.”
7. David Pocock (Australia)
A breakdown phenomenon. Pocock redefined openside play with his strength, technique and relentless ball-winning ability.
Parisse on Pocock:
“Nobody tested me physically as much as Pocock. He was physically the perfect rugby player.”
“Nobody tested me physically as much as Pocock. He was physically the perfect rugby player.”
8. Kieran Read (New Zealand)
A modern great of the No.8 role. World Rugby Player of the Year in 2013 and a World Cup-winning captain, Read blended skill, power and consistency.
Parisse on Read:
EDITORS PICKS:
- Ultimate XV: The Greatest Champions Cup XV of All Time
- “SIX-YEAR DEAL” – Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus ends speculation on his future
- The Toughest Rugby Players Of All-Time (Ranked 15-1)
- “Springbok dream” – Five All Blacks could be swapping nations for the 2027 World Cup
- Verdict confirmed: Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth banned after eye gouge
Think you’re a true rugby nut? It's time to put your Lions knowledge to the test.
12 years have passed since Warren Gatland’s men roared to a famous series win over Australia, but how well do you really remember the iconic 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?
From legendary leaders to surprise selections, we’ve lined up every player from that unforgettable tour. All you have to do is name them. No pressure, right?
Take the quiz below and prove your rugby brain still bites.
? Scroll down and get cracking – how many can you get without cheating?
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LATEST COMMENTS
- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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