He might have moved from the pitch to behind a desk, but Walter Pozzebon has not strayed too far from his rugby roots.
The former Italian international is relishing his work as the Legacy Programme Manager at the IRB Junior World Championship 2011, whcih takes place from 10-26 June in the Veneto region of Italy.
The Legacy programme is a key component of each Junior World Championship and aims to ensure each tournament leaves its mark by helping to promote and develop the Game in the host country.
On Wednesday night, as part of the Legacy initiative, all 12 teams will receive a warm welcome when they are introduced at civic functions in all three host cities.
Australia, England, France and Scotland will mingle with fans at the historic Palazzo della Ragione in Padova; Italy, France, Fiji and Tonga will meet the locals in the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele in Rovigo; while in Treviso, the New Zealand, Ireland, Wales, South Africa and Argentina players will converge on the Piazza dei Signori.
Demanding task
“When I was called last January, I immediately put myself at their disposal,” explained Pozzebon. “My job consists of monitoring various organisational activities, from managing relations with the sponsors, to communications and of course the Legacy activities of the teams.
"This is a demanding task, but we try to take care of every single detail to make sure the teams involved in this Junior World Championship will go back home satisfied.
“I feel lucky to be so closely involved with the rugby world, to keep the link alive. Many of the people I’m working with are old acquaintances of mine, so it wasn’t difficult for me to feel at ease.”
During a decorated playing career at the top level, the centre won 22 caps for Italy, as well as five senior championships, two Italian Cups, an Italian Super Cup and two Under 20 championships with his club, Benetton Treviso.
Friendships
A high achiever on the pitch, he also excelled in his studies, obtaining a high school diploma in classical studies, then graduating in communication science from the University of Padua, and later obtaining a Master’s degree in sport business strategies from the University Ca' Foscari of Venice.
The 32-year-old has not hung up his boots just yet and still turns out in the Italian second division with his boyhood team Paese, where he also trains the juniors.
“I can’t stay away from the rugby pitch,” he said. “To put rugby aside is impossible for me.”
Pozzebon wished all players coming to Italy the best of luck for JWC 2011.
“My special wish is that these guys will have fun. Events like this are an extraordinary experience at a personal level, as they give you the opportunity to interact with faraway cultures and to create everlasting friendships.
“When you are 20, it may be difficult to realise that. I am saying this because I experienced it myself and it was one of the greatest things rugby taught me.”
