Ratko Jelic, an Italian 7s international rugby player, has made a significant move in his career by joining SuperLiga Kaufland side Dinamo Bucharest. This decision comes as a result of his recent loan spells and limited opportunities with the URC side Zebre. Born in Belgrade, Jelic's journey in rugby began at Rugby Jesi 1970, a club with a rich history in the sport. His father also played for the same club in the 2000s, which might have inspired his son's passion for the game.
Jelic's talent was recognized, leading him to join the Italian union academy system. However, the COVID-19 pandemic presented a challenge, causing him to miss the opportunity to represent the Azzurri U20s. Despite this setback, he secured a senior contract with Rugby Viadana, where he remained until 2022. During this period, he was selected for the Italy 7s team and participated in the Moscow leg of the Men's Rugby Europe Championship 7s Series, although the team finished second-to-last overall.
His performance with Zebre in the URC was notable, particularly in his debut season, where he showcased a good passing skillset. However, the rise of Gonzalo García pushed Jelic down to third choice at scrum-half, limiting his appearances. With opportunities scarce, he was loaned out to Colorno and Viadana before his contract with Zebre ended in June.
Now, with the SuperLiga Kaufland break coming to an end, Jelic has been unveiled as one of Dinamo Bucharest's new signings. The club is aiming for its 18th league title, and with five rounds remaining in the regular season, they currently lead the standings. Jelic's official debut is expected this weekend when Dinamo Bucharest faces defending champions Baia Mare.
This move presents an exciting opportunity for Jelic to continue his development and contribute to Dinamo Bucharest's title ambitions. His experience and skills will be valuable assets as the team aims to secure a successful season. The rugby world will be watching to see how he adapts to his new role and the challenges that lie ahead.
