The birth of Albanian rugby | Orion Jucja

In this episode, we sit down with Orion Jucja, co-founder of the Albania Rugby Federation and the Tirana Lions Rugby Club, alongside his close collaborator Arnaldo Telo, to hear the remarkable story of how rugby found a home in Albania.

Orion takes us back to the early days — the curiosity, the obstacles, and the moments of belief it took to introduce a largely unknown sport to a new country. From playing on improvised pitches to building a national federation, this conversation is as much about people and persistence as it is about rugby.

We explore what rugby culture looks like in Albania today, how the sport is steadily growing, and why its values of community, respect, and resilience resonate so deeply with players and supporters alike. Along the way, Orion shares personal reflections on leadership, friendship, and what it means to build something meaningful from the ground up.

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