Marco Bortolami

Marco Bortolami was born on June 12, 1980, in Padua, Italy. He would go on to become a prominent figure in rugby union, achieving significant milestones in his career. Bortolami's journey in rugby union began at a young age, eventually leading him to become an influential player, known for his leadership and skill on the field. His career would see him captaining the Italian national team and playing for several clubs, having a lasting impact on the sport in Italy and internationally.

On April 7, 2001, Marco Bortolami made his debut for the Italy national rugby union team in a match against Namibia. His entry into the international scene marked the beginning of an illustrious test career that would span over a decade. Bortolami's performance on the field was notable for his commanding presence as a lock, contributing significantly to the team's efforts. Over the years, he became a mainstay in the Italian squad and emerged as a leader within the team.

Marco Bortolami was named captain of the Italy national rugby union team for the first time, leading his country in a test match against Argentina on November 9, 2002. This was a significant milestone in his career, as he became one of the youngest players to captain the national team at just 22 years old. His leadership qualities and deep understanding of the game made him a natural choice for the role. Bortolami's captaincy would be a defining feature of his international career, inspiring teammates and setting standards for future leaders.

Under the captaincy of Marco Bortolami, Italy achieved a historic victory against Scotland on March 14, 2006, during the Six Nations Championship held in Glasgow. This win was remarkable as it marked Italy's first away victory in the tournament, a testament to Bortolami's leadership on and off the field. His strategic acumen and ability to motivate his team were key factors in securing this landmark win, which was celebrated as a significant achievement for Italian rugby.

Marco Bortolami signed with Gloucester Rugby, one of the prominent clubs in the English Premiership, on June 25, 2006. His move to the English league was a significant step in his professional career, allowing him to compete at a high level of club rugby. At Gloucester, Bortolami was expected to bring his international experience and leadership qualities to the club, contributing to their ambitions in the Premiership. His tenure at Gloucester was marked by solid performances and he became a key figure in their lineout strategy.

In August 2009, Marco Bortolami transferred to Aironi, an Italian rugby club that was part of the Celtic League (now known as Pro14). His return to play in the Italian league marked a new chapter in his career, allowing him to influence the development of rugby in Italy directly. Bortolami's experience was invaluable to Aironi as they aimed to establish themselves in the league. His presence in the squad was an asset, offering mentorship to younger players while bolstering the team's competitiveness.

On May 17, 2012, Marco Bortolami joined Zebre Rugby Club, continuing his involvement in Italian rugby post his tenure with Aironi. Zebre, a new club formed to replace Aironi in the Pro12, provided Bortolami with the opportunity to continue his influential role in advancing Italian rugby at the professional club level. His leadership and experience were key components in Zebre's early seasons, where they faced the challenges of competing at a high level alongside more established clubs from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

After a distinguished career, Marco Bortolami announced his retirement from professional rugby on April 30, 2016. Over his career, he earned 112 caps for the Italian national team, making him one of the most capped Italian players in history. His influence extended far beyond his playing days, as he transitioned into coaching and development roles. Bortolami's legacy includes not only personal achievements but also his contributions to elevating the profile of Italian rugby on the international stage.

Following his retirement as a player, Marco Bortolami transitioned into coaching. On July 1, 2016, he was appointed as a coach at Benetton Rugby, one of Italy's top rugby clubs. His move into coaching allowed him to apply his extensive knowledge and experience to developing new rugby talent. Bortolami's coaching career was marked by his commitment to fostering player development and implementing strategic approaches learned during his playing career. He continues to be a respected figure in rugby circles.

Marco Bortolami was promoted to head coach of Benetton Rugby on November 28, 2021. This promotion was a testament to his successful stint as a coach with the club, where he played a vital role in player development and the team's competitive performance within the United Rugby Championship. As head coach, Bortolami aims to lead the team to new heights, emphasizing tactical play and discipline. His leadership is crucial for Benetton's aspirations to compete effectively against top European clubs.