 Marko Protega (E V R A) European Veteran Rugby Association. |
In 2019 it was 60 years (1959–2019) of continues active Marko´s involvement in Rugby. Started at begin of 1959 in Nada RFC (Split) he won 10 Yugoslav Championship and 6 National Cup competitions. In the same he played for the first ever Yugoslav National team in 1968. Finishing his career as the player, he became National Coach U19 (1980/81) and Full National Side (1987-1991). In the meantime he founded, or was directly involved in the foundation, of five new clubs in former country. In 1992 he moved to Germany (Heidelberg) where he worked as professional School Rugby promotor for Rugby Union Baden- Württemberg (RBW) for more than 10 years. His first contact with Veteran Rugby was in 1981 when “his” Team of former Yugoslavia Internationals took part at Veteran Tournament in Rome. Followed two participations at ANZ World Golden Oldies Rugby Festival (London 1985, Auckland 1987). Coming to Heidelberg at the begin 0f 1992, as Festival Director of 1st European Golden Oldies Rugby Festival 1994, together with Jeff Butterfield (England and British Lions 1955 player) and Claus-Peter Bach (President RBW) as the Chairman of Organising Committee, they organised this first ever European Golden Oldies Rugby event, as European Committee of Air NZ World Golden Oldie Rugby. In October 2010, with 14 European rugby friends he founded E V R A (European Veteran Rugby Association), the only one registered European Veteran Rugby organisation, with seat in Heidelberg. As EVRA Secretary he was directly involved with organisation of EVRA European Festivals in 2011 (in Cascais, Portugal), 2013 (in Esztergom, Hungary), 2015 (in Farnham) on the occasion of RWC in England, 2017 (in Siedlce, Poland), 2019 (in Belluno, Italy). After two years of “Covid-19 pause” the next EVRA Festival is going to be in France (September, October 2023), again on the occasion of Rugby World Cup 2023. At the first EVRA Festival 2011 he managed so called “EVRA XV Team”, selection of veteran players from very different European countries. EVRA Team took part at each of European festivals. In between “EVRA Selection” answered positively to the invitations of different celebrations of National Rugby Unions, taking part at different events. In 2022 EVRA Select Team took part at 43rd U F A R National Festival in Toulon , that in the same time was the 40th Anniversary of Union Ancient Francaise de Rugby, the biggest National Veteran Rugby Association in Europe. |
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 TIHOMIR VRANESEVIC ( CROATIA) |
Born on June 15th 1960 in Sisak, Croatia. (ex. Yugoslavia). Started to play a rugby in Rugby Club Sisak at season 1973/1974. Since 1979. played for Rugby Club Zagreb. With Rugby Club Zagreb – won 3 Championships and 3 Cup. At U18 competition had a 11 matches (3 of – as a captain), at senior level 57 matches (7 of – as a captain) for Yugoslavia national side (till Croatia independence at 1991). Since 1991. till 1995. played 30 matches (4 of – as a captain) for Croatia national side. Player position – scrumhalf. Since 1995 till now – active on veteran rugby. Employed at University of Zagreb as tenured professor of Marketing. Active member of the European Veterans Rugby Association (EVRA) |
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 BRAD GREENWOOD (CANADÁ) |
Brad has been involved in rugby, at all levels as a player and coach, for over 40 years. Throughout this time, he has toured extensively on dozens of rugby tours. These tours have taken him around the world to destinations such as Argentina, Ireland, France, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Czech Republic, Bahamas, Bermuda, the United Kingdom, the USA and of course Canada. Brad deeply believes in the touring culture of rugby and the life-long bonds it develops over the sport we all love so dearly. |
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 HUGO PELLEJERO (ARGENTINA) |
I returned to play rugby in 2003, at «39», in VETERANS of Commercial Rugby Club, «LOS PURA MALTAS», in Mar del Plata, thanks Fredy Acuña and Pampa Musicante. Never stop playing again, in almost 20 years. Innumerable parties… from Ushuaia to La Quiaca, literally… With friends from all over the country, as well as from all continents… Tours, incredible trips, visiting the most beautiful places in Argentina, or even abroad. Rugby showed me that its principles and values are real, that countless people, friends that the game made it possible for me to meet, apply them, humility, friendship, frankness, perseverance, solidarity, respect, etc. Without a doubt, playing Rugby again, in a Veterans team, has been one of the best and happiest decisions of my life. I wish I could continue playing forever, with my friends the Veterans, here on earth… Or if it’s time….. |
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 BOROS ZOLTAN (Hungary) |
Boros Zoltan (53), Computer systems administrator, started to play Rugby in Kecskemet Rugby Club GAMF (now KARC) in 1987. During his active career he played (Backline positions ) for Kecskemet first team and Hungarian National side too. He continued to play Rugby as Veteran and is actual leader of K A R C Old Boys (since 2004), the Team that participates national veteran tournaments as well as internationally – EVRA events. Boros is one of Old Boys Hungary founders, together with Attila Kovacs (member of EVRA Executive Board) & Friends, Team that is very active on international level. The Highlights, as Veteran, Boros experienced at two World Masters Games (2013, 2017) playing for Australian rugby team.Asked to support Veteran Rugby as the Ambassador he said: “I am honoured and happy to be able to serve our idea of developing Veteran rugby, not only in Europe, but Worldwide too |
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 ROSARIO BIUNNO (ITALY) |
I have been involved (since 1972) in rugby, at all levels from player to coach and since 2008 President of a local club. Throughout these years I have gained 360° experience. Since 2013, when I became part of the EVRA Select XV, I was able to further my horizons Internationally participating in many rugby tournaments mainly in Europe. As a Rugby Player
My rugby career began in 1972 in Northeast Catholic High School Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1976 until 1983 played for my University Villanova (always in the state of Pennsylvania where my principal role was inside center and in alternative flanker. During my years at University, I also managed to play for a local club, the “Radnor All Blacks”.In 1983, I moved back to Italy and played for and found a club (“Serie C”) in Cernusco Sul Naviglio a city on the outskirt of Milano. From 1987 until 1995 I played at CUS Milano, a club in “Serie A”. I finished my “professional” career at 42 years old, the maximum age allowed by the regulations. I began to play (and still play) ‘old boys’ with the “Coyotes”, the old side of the Cernusco Rugby Club. In since 2013, I played with the EVRA Select XV and have also Captained the selection from 2015. With EVRA Select XV, I have participated in many International tournaments in Poland, Hungary, England and the last one was in France. As a Passion In 2005 together with friend, we started “Treviglio Rugby School”. Treviglio is a city Northeast of Milan. Starting the school, was our way to promote and make the sport known to all ages and genders. In 2007 the “School” became a club, the total number of members was at that time50. In 2008 (til today) I was elected President. Treviglio Rugby Club (TRC) has all the catagories from U5 upto a Senior XV (the later participates in Serie C championship). The number os members in the club currently stands at 200, a big success considering the territory is predominately football. |
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