Croatian rugby history destroyed in Zagreb building fire
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
(Photo credit: Vatrogasna postrojba Zagreb/Berislav Rožman)
A devastating fire that tore through the iconic Vjesnik skyscraper in Zagreb last week has left Croatian rugby facing one of the greatest losses in its history.
The blaze, which broke out on one of the upper floors, spread rapidly across the 16-storey tower.
A major loss for Croatian rugby
For the Croatian Rugby Union (Hrvatski ragbijaški savez), the fire was more than just a building tragedy, it was personal.
Union president Većeslav Holjevac revealed the scale of the damage:
“Everything has burned, our archives are gone, we have lost many memories and historical documents; around 200 balls have burned, along with equipment and communication sets for the referees…”
The union had long stored important records, memorabilia, and equipment inside the Vjesnik building.
According to the union, the damage is “enormous”.
“The Croatian Rugby Union was left without almost everything. The damage is enormous, we are not yet allowed to enter the premises to see what is left.”
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The Croatian Rugby Union was established in 1962, originally within the Yugoslav Rugby Federation. After Croatia gained independence, the union became its own national governing body and joined the international rugby community.
Croatia celebrate beating Cyprus (Photo credit: Berislav Rožman)
Rugby’s roots stretch back even further: HARK Mladost was founded on 17 January 1954 in Zagreb, becoming one of Croatia’s first clubs. Rugby Club Nada Split followed in 1959 and has since grown into one of the country’s most successful rugby institutions.
Croatia’s national team played its first official match in 1992 and has continued to compete on the European stage ever since.
Coach Anthony Poša hoisted in the air after a Croatia victory (Photo credit: Berislav Rožman)
Police have since said that two 18-year-olds are suspected of having started the blaze. Investigators believe they climbed into the building, reached the 15th floor and set fire to a cardboard box filled with paper.
The case has now been forwarded to prosecutors.
