ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Wednesday May 13, 2020

Monye strikes a chord with Barbarians send off idea

With so many players seeing their careers end in a way they would never have wanted amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, Ugo Monye has proposed a plan to the Barbarians to give players the swansong that they may be deprived of. 

ADVERTISEMENT

With some leagues, such as France’s Top 14, having already annulled the 2019/20 season, and others looking on the cusp of doing so, players that had already announced that they would retire at the end of the season may have played their final match. 

But the former England, and British and Irish Lions winger, and now pundit Monye has put forward the idea on Twitter of the Barbarians selecting a team of legends when rugby returns to normality. 

The historic club has already shown its enthusiasm for such a game, as has former Scotland flanker John Barclay, who retired from international duty in December and is set to leave Edinburgh at the end of the season. 

Followers of Monye’s have been quick to reel off a host of names that would make up a star-studded team, and few would say that Italy’s Sergio Parisse is not the most deserving of them all. 

Having had his chance of bowing out of Test rugby snatched away from him at the hands of Typhoon Hagibis at the Rugby World Cup, the 142-cap international was set to make his final appearance at the end of this year’s Six Nations, but for COVID-19 to dash his plans again. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Although the No.8 still plays for Toulon, rather than retiring completely, the reality is that his opportunity to play for Italy again may not even be in 2020, as there are fears no international rugby will be played in Europe this year. By that time, an appearance for the Azzurri would be teetering on unnecessary pageantry, depriving a worthy player of a place in the team.  

While it may not be the way he envisioned, donning the famous black and white jersey again is a good way Parisse, and many other players, can get the send-off he deserves in the Test arena. 

Comments




Related Articles

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Ellis Genge puts on his boxing gloves ready...

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    Crazy scenes as player deliberately kicks...

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    RFU make decision on transgender players...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Wild scenes in Toulouse as Portugal seal last gasp comeback win over Fiji

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Theo Dan in the centre of 'punch' storm as possible infringement missed

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Compilation video shows Jamie George's surprising box of tricks

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones reported to have negotiated return to Japan national side

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Rees Zammit hits Olympic level as 100m sprint time is officially finally released

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen proves once again that he is a hero in Ireland

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Irish players brilliantly take the p*** out of Sexton on plane intercom

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Brilliant video of Andy Farrell readying the Irish troops for battle

View All

Amateur

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 16 HOURS AGO

    Exclusive Intervew: From Bristol to Benetton - The Andy Uren story

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Transfer News: George North to take considerable talents to France

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Tom Foley takes break from officiating international matches following death threats

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    James Haskell shares thoughts on 'best mate' Owen Farrell

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    The key change Steve Borthwick has made to England squad selection

View All