Activities

MARKO PROTEGA (European (E V R A) Veteran Rugby Ambassador)

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. In November 2022 Marko with different National Rugby personalities will come to Buenos Aires as “Veteran Rugby Ambassadors” to take part at Argentina World Rugby Festival. We shall be happy to meet again old and new Rugby friends ….
TIHOMIR VRANESEVIC ( CROATIA)

Tihomir Vranešević, was 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 EVRA
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 . . . 
NICK WHITE (ENGLAND)
Has been playing rugby for 52 years around the World from USA to Malta; Hong Kong to Australia. Having been a coach, manager, Tour leader and National committee member. Involved with National teams at 7’s and 15’s both men’s and women’s and local clubs as current Vice President. Played in World and European and Asian Veterans festivals. Keen to develop the future in all aspects of rugby especially new countries seeking to expand global links and exposure.
DAN SANTORO (FLORIDA, USA)
I began playing rugby in college in 1981 in New Haven, Connecticut at Southern Conn. State College and have played for adult clubs in New Haven, Boca Raton, Florida and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I began to play ‘old boys’ when needed before my 35th birthday but my real Golden Oldies or serious old boys career began with the 1995 Golden Oldies in Christchurch, NZ. I have participated in 10 Golden Oldies/Vintage Rugby events over the years in cities like Vancouver, Adelaide, Toulouse, Brisbane, San Diego, Buenos Aires, Edinburgh, Sydney and Honolulu as well as Christchurch. In 2001 I became the monthly Masters columnist for RUGBY magazine in America and held that position for 4 years (when the magazine shut down). I was the tournament director 3 years of the Fort Lauderdale International Tournament and for 12+ years I was the social director and Masters organizer for the event. I also organized the Florida Masters Championship 6 times, which was a 1 day event held in Tampa or Orlando in the 1990s and 2000s. For 12 years I hosted a World Masters Rugby chat room on Yahoo that had 1,200+ members and also a Yahoo room for American Rugby News that had 900+ members. At present I admin the World Masters Rugby group on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WorldMastersRugby which has 3,200+ members.
OLE BANG (DENMARK, SWEDEN & NORWAY)
I became involved in rugby I 1984, the same year my club was founded, and I have been involved ever since. Over the years I have had many functions as player, coach and organizer at both club and union level, but now my energy is in Veterans rugby. In 2017 we founded our local Veterans side “Fratres Ovalibus” – Oval Brothers, and today we have 60 members and still growing. I think that bond you make with other players in Veteran rugby are unique and touring is the highlight for me and my rugby brothers. It brings up the best in people with focus on the values of rugby. Looking forward to see you out there on the pitch or in the bar.
HENNING OHLERICH – OHLE (BERLIN, GERMANY)
I have been playing rugby in different clubs (leagues) since 1986. I was youth and children coach in my club BSV 1892. Since 2010 I lead our Old boys team Die Alte Preussen (The Old Prussians). Apart from the national veteran activities we organize (this year October 1st in Berlin) our 13th edition of Heine Cup – International Veteran Tournament, we also participate at one – two international tournaments every year. As a ambassador for the veteran rugby, I would like to make the contribution to better cooperation and networking in the national and international environment. See you all in Buenos Aires . . .
ROSARIO BIUNNO (NORTH 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.
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…..
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.
FELIPE GIL ADRIASOLA (SPAIN & PORTUGAL)

As a Back Row player Felipe had competed in Chile´s first division for more than ten years with the club Prince of Wales Country Club.

He represented Chile in its U18-U19-U20 and Senior teams from 2007 to 2010, participating in South American tournaments and in 2009 Junior World Rugby Trophy.

Also have played in United States in New Haven Connecticut and New York, with Hartford Wanderers and NYC Village Lions . . .

Now based in Barcelona he is playing with CEU Rugby Barcelona, Spain's second National division.

Felipe is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Mediterranea Sports Tour - Sports travel agency based in Barcelona, the capital and the largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia, the second most populous municipality of Spain.

Passionate of rugby with a Masters's in Sports Management have supported Rugby Clubs in Chile, United States, and Spain with their development, management, coaching, and refereeing. Felipe is specialized in organising Rugby Tours for veteran rugby teams to the Catalonian Capital and Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca.

Mediterranea Sports Tour is E V R A Partner since 2023 promoting - contributing to the further development of Veteran rugby in Europe.

Felipe is looking forward to support Veteran Rugby events, especially the next Argentina Veterans World Rugby Festival in Buenos Aires & Mar del Plata, Argentina