Mark Barrett

You lived in Serbia for six years. What were your expectations when you arrived, and what are your impressions now?

I had visited for a short period a couple of times before moving for work and had some colleagues already working here so I didn’t show up lost, at least I knew people from the start which made it easier. My good friend from Ireland, Billy Lewis, had been in Belgrade for a few years already so I was well taken care of. He gave me a place to stay, knew all the people and all the places so made my transition here pretty smooth. The people here seemed pretty good and had a real sense of self assurance and honesty that I liked. Work could be frustrating at times but that is the same everywhere. With my job I was able to travel to cities, towns and villages throughout Serbia which gave me a great chance to see the whole country and appreciate the place and the people. When I first came there was a sense of optimism in the people and my expectation was that things were changing for the better.That optimism in the people seemed to fade over time and a pessimistic view of the world, and everything else, started to prevail, but my impression now is that the optimism is cautiously coming back. I think it is still a real shame that Serbia and Serbians have not really been able to take opportunities and fulfill their real potential because of external pressures and internal politics, I really hope things will continue to change for the better. My impression that Serbia is a great place with great people has not changed.

You have seen rugby in Serbia at different levels. What is Your opinion, what are our advantages and what are our shortcomings?

Before coming to Serbia I had no idea if rugby was even played here so I googled it as I try to be involved in the sport I love wherever and whenever I have the opportunity. The only information I could find at the time was from the club Dorcol, so I contacted them and when I arrived in Belgrade met up with them and went to some of their trainings. It was the summer that they had made the decision to switch from rugby union to rugby league so my involvement with them was short-lived. I then helped organize a trip to Winchester in England for a Serbia representative Under 15 team which was a great experience. After that I worked with Ljuba at “Balkan Mosquitos” and with the U18 National side. It was during this time that Jovke asked me to work with Pobednik. When I was first involved with the U15s I went to Pancevo where there was a tournament going on. I think that there was something like 8 or 10 teams participating; now there are maybe three that can put together a side for that age group. The big problem for rugby in Serbia is the lack of clubs. There seemed to be more effort put into fighting with each other rather than working together and trying to grow the game. First and foremost the love of the game, its traditions and values, should be more powerful than the love of the club or its individuals. Rugby development seems disorganized and poorly executed. It is a real shame as Serbia has great rugby talent. There are players here with the potential to play at a very high level and some have really proven themselves in events like the U18s in France and the 7s campaign the other year.

How did you perceive RC Pobednik before Your arrival at the club?

I really didn’t know what to expect. I certainly didn’t know I had a long lost son named Srki! But seriously, I had watched the team play on a number of occasions and we had played against Pobednik 2 in the year when there was a senior B league. I had worked with Jovke with the U18s and got on well. I thought I might have something to offer but was not sure how I would be received. Pobednik was the top team in the country and I guess I expected an arrogance and entrenched attitude that wasn’t really there. I was really pleased with the way the club and players welcomed me. Big thanks especially to Marko and Jovke, and the senior players, for putting their faith in me.

How do You assess the work and the organization of the club, compared to the other clubs where You were?

The club has a really positive and progressive attitude. Marko does a great job as President. It is the one club where solutions to problems are looked for rather than making excuses. I am really impressed by the way in which opportunities are seized and the club is always looking to do more, organise more, try more. It is refreshing and a great thing to be part of. The work they are now doing in trying more and more to develop young players and the work with Pobednici is really fantastic to see.

What are Your strongest impressions from our club and what will remain forever in Your memory?

I think some of the Regional League matches and the way the team came together I will always remember, training in -20 and up to your knees in snow is also memorable as are the great times off the field with such a great bunch of players, but probably the thing I will remember the most is everything to do with the tournament organised with Heriot’s and the other teams from the region. I know that a lot of people associated with the club put in a tremendous amount of time and effort and I think that the end result is something that everyone involved should be very proud of.

What RK Pobednik means to You?

Pobednik is part of my family. I have found lifelong friends here.

What are Your plans for the future and when will you return to Belgrade and Serbia?

My work in Serbia has sadly come to an end so I have had to move on. I am keeping in close contact with people here and really looking for opportunities that will bring me back. I had a great opportunity and fantastic experience with Pobednik and I promise I will do everything I can to come back. BUDI POBEDNIK!