The past representative cycle was very successful for the Serbian national team. Serbia won three games and had one close defeat against Bulgaria at the start of the competition. One of the key players who are responsible not only for the atmosphere on the field, but also off the field is Janko Zemun Milinković. We decided that the first article of our editorial office after the official start will be an interview with Janko, because his dedication, professionalism and love for the national team is at the highest possible level.
In the autumn cycle, Janko played a significant role in matches against Bulgaria and Turkey. He also took the captain’s armband of the national team against Turkey. Of course, we didn’t miss his emotional reaction when he scored the try at the beginning of the second half. Simply, Janko is the leader of this selection, and we can be proud and happy to have the opportunity to see him in the Serbian jersey. Although he is only 23 years old, it seems that Janko is one of the now experienced national team players.
Unfortunately, the injury prevented him from being part of the spring cycle. But that did not stop Janko from coming to Starčevo and cheering from the stands of the Eagles who beat the always tough Andorra. For us, that is the definition of team commitment, and a true example of the spirit of not only rugby, but sports in general. And yes, that is very noticeable, it leaves quite an impression on both teammates and the audience that follows rugby. We believe that Janko is an example of what an athlete should look like, and that young rugby players have an example to follow. We were interested in something a little more about Janko, his beginnings, career and private life.
Rugby.rs: When did you start playing rugby? How did you find out about rugby?
JZM: My first experience with rugby was at the Bergamo Sports Fair when I was little. Before that, my parents already knew and wanted to direct me towards this sport, so since I first started playing around 2002. years, I did not stop.
Rugby.rs: Tell us a little more about your career, clubs and positions you played in?
JZM: As I started playing as a child, it was already known that I was physically adjusted to the positions in the back, not in the scrum. Later, as we slowly introduced positions, it was assumed that I could play scrumhalf in my generation, so I have always played scrumhalf, which I really like as a position.
As for teams, I always played for a bigger club in my city, Rugby Bergamo 1950, and in addition I had brief experiences abroad, like in Germany, where I played for St. Pauli Rugby in Hamburg.
Rugby.rs: We saw you for the first time in the Serbian jersey at the U18 European Championship, what are your impressions?
JZM: That’s right, I made my debut with Serbia in Andorra in 2016. years with juniors: the atmosphere was great, and because it was my first experience in international competitions among national teams.
With a lot of players, with whom I played for the first time, I still play and wear the Serbian jersey today and I have very good relationship, even if we don’t see each other most often.
Rugby.rs: You are a regular member of the Serbian national team, what do you think is the reach of our national team?
JZM: Now that I have played several times and met several players, I am convinced that the Serbian national team does not belong to the level at which it has played in recent years. There are more talented and eager players who would easily fit into a higher rank (Conference 1). I believe in that because I know that my opinion is shared in the locker room and the results of the matches confirm that.
Rugby.rs: What does the life of a rugby player in Italy look like, describe to us what your day looks like? Do you train individually?
JZM: In Italy, I play for Rugby Bergamo, which is the team of the third Italian national league (Serie B). Both non-professional and semi-professional teams play at this level, so the difference is big.
As for us, we train 3 times a week on the field and we have games almost every weekend; in addition, the club offers us individual or team training in the gym, so the obligation may be higher, but it depends on each player.
Rugby.rs: Apart from being a successful athlete, you are also a successful student, tell us a little more about what you study and how you manage to compose everything?
JZM: First of all, thanks for the compliments. In addition to rugby, the first obligation in my life is the Medical University of Milan, which I would have to finish next year.
After that, I would like to combine these two passions and continue my studies in sports medicine, maybe in Serbia, who knows?
Rugby.rs: What are your hobbies and interests outside of sports?
JZM: Apart from sports, which still take up most of my free time, I have various interests in several areas, such as discovering new things and having enough imagination in as many topics as possible.
Rugby.rs: What would you say to young rugby players in Serbia?
JZM: Serbia is a rich and talented country when it comes to sports. In this regard, I would like more and more children to start playing any sport, because something is learned through everyone and only the positive can be gained in return.
I especially recommend rugby to all those who want to grow as athletes, and most of all as people, because teamwork, sacrifice and respect for oneself and others understand each other the most. And that goes for players as much as it does for fans
