And the Italian icon has shown no signs of slowing down; helping himself to a try in the Azzurri’s 42-10 defeat at the hands of Ireland in what was his 86th cap.

Faletau won his first Wales cap against the Barbarians last June, a side that boasted Parisse in their No.8 shirt, and the Newport Gwent Dragon admits he is looking forward to the challenge all over again.

“Parisse is definitely a player I admire,” Faletau told the South Wales Argus.

“He has been playing number eight for Italy as far back as I can remember and he has always been outstanding.

“I have played against him once before and he was awesome. Parisse’s the type of player you learn from going up against.”