History of Tas Baitieri in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 24, 2026

Tas Baitieri is a prominent figure in rugby league, best known for his extensive contributions to the sport as a coach, administrator, and international development officer. He served as a long-time official for the National Rugby League (NRL) and played a pivotal role in expanding the game's global footprint, particularly in regions like Italy and the wider European landscape. Beyond his administrative duties, Baitieri was a respected coach, having led the Italian national team on multiple occasions. His expertise in the sport's technicalities and his dedication to its grassroots development have made him an influential figure in the international rugby league community. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his commitment to professionalizing the sport and fostering growth within emerging rugby nations.

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Full Timeline

July 1957: Birth of Tas Baitieri

On 14 July 1957, Bortolo "Tas" Baitieri was born in Australia, later becoming a notable figure in rugby league as a player, coach, and administrator.

Others born on this day/year

1985: Attendance at RLIB meeting in Paris

In 1985, Tas Baitieri traveled to Paris to serve as a translator for Jacques Soppelsa, the chairman of the French Rugby League Federation, during an RLIB meeting.

1985: Appointment as French National Team Coach

In 1985, Tas Baitieri was officially appointed to serve as the head coach of the French national rugby league team.

1987: Dismissal from Coaching Position

Tas Baitieri was removed from his coaching role with the French national team in 1987, a decision driven by the financial instability facing the French Rugby League Federation at that time.

1991: Tas Baitieri leads Cumberland College of Health Sciences to success

In 1991, Tas Baitieri coached the Cumberland College of Health Sciences rugby league team to win the 2nd division grand final against the University of Newcastle. Following this victory, the team was promoted to the first division, where they achieved grand finalist status in their debut season, and the club renamed their Best & Fairest award to the Tas Baitieri shield to honor his leadership.

1993: Appointed Development Officer for Victoria Rugby League

In 1993, Tas Baitieri was appointed to the position of development officer for Victoria Rugby League by the Australian Rugby League.

1998: Refereeing the Japan versus Lebanon international match

In 1998, Tas Baitieri served as the referee for a historic rugby league match between Japan and Lebanon, marking the first international game for both nations.

2020: Redundancy from the National Rugby League

In 2020, Tas Baitieri concluded his tenure as a development officer for the National Rugby League after being made redundant.

2021: Rugby League World Cup Participation

In 2021, Tas Baitieri was involved in the Rugby League World Cup.

2022: Italian National Team Management

In 2022, Tas Baitieri served as the team manager for the Italian national rugby league team during their 2021 Rugby League World Cup campaign.

2023: Awarded Medal of the Order of Australia

In 2023, Tas Baitieri was presented with the Medal of the Order of Australia during the King's Birthday Honours for his dedicated contributions and administrative service to the sport of rugby league.