In the volume “Rugby Bergamo 1950. An Oval Story”, published to retrace 75 years of the club’s yellow-and-red history, there is a section titled “The Intense Career of Elio Taiocchi”, included in the chapter dedicated to the decade 1980–1990.
It is a portrait that goes beyond mere sporting chronicle and becomes a concrete testimony of determination, commitment, and team spirit, values that in rugby have a precise meaning and that, in any context, distinguish those who build with consistency over time.
In the world of rugby, Elio Taiocchi is remembered as an example of perseverance and dedication. Discovered by Giorgio Prussiani, then an employee of Officine Fratelli Taiocchi, Elio took to the field at a very young age: at thirteen he wore the Rugby Bergamo jersey and, within two years, made his debut with the Italy Under-15 national team. Call-ups to the Under-17 and Under-19 teams followed, culminating in a season played in Serie A.
An intense sporting career, brought to an early close on a competitive level but never truly abandoned in a deeper sense. At the age of 23, Elio chose to devote himself to the family business, while continuing to live rugby with passion: he remained close to Rugby Bergamo, founded a club in Brembate di Sopra – the Black Eagles – and later continued his activity in Ambivere, turning passion into a tangible commitment to people and the local community.
The book also recalls a particularly significant moment: on November 30, 2024, at the Teulié Military School in Milan, during the Italian Rugby Federation’s merit awards ceremony. In the presence of Federal Vice President Paolo Vaccari and President of the Lombardy Committee Maurizio Vancini, Elio Taiocchi was awarded the “Golden Oval”, an honor granted to those who have contributed to the growth and promotion of rugby in the region.
This section clearly conveys the most authentic dimension of sport: rugby as a school of life, capable of shaping people even before athletes. A story we embrace with pride, as it reflects values shared in everyday work as well-continuity, responsibility, respect, and a strong sense of belonging.
