Parisse was a very welcome arrival at Italy’s hotel on Tuesday, when after a wait of over two weeks the team's Illustrious long-time captain finally joined up with Jacques Brunel’s squad.
While Italy played France and Canada, the 32-year-old number eight was back home in Paris recuperating and then training under the auspices of his club side, Stade Francais, following surgery earlier in September. On Monday he was finally given the all-clear to join up with the Azzurri, and less than 24 hours later he jumped on Eurostar to whizz to London.