No other side in Pool B at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia should take a proud Romania lightly

Romania are en route to their 10th Men’s Rugby World Cup, ready to relive past heroics. The Eastern European nation were one of the 16 sides to compete in the inaugural tournament in 1987, and have been part of the competition’s history since, only missing out on qualification for RWC 2019 in Japan.

They are drawn in Pool B with South Africa, Italy, and Georgia, but don’t expect the proud and relentless Stejarii (The Oaks) to be easy opponents. But while their powerful set-piece will trouble almost any opposition, they will need to step up conditioning and discipline. 

Players to watch 

Marius Simionescu

Role model, hero, stalwart of the Stejarii cause, and all-out attacking threat, Simionescu is one of Romania’s best players and greatest representatives. His versatility on the wing, at centre or full-back means Romania have a wide range of options with the ball, or without.

Mihai Graure

Young centre Mihai Graure is already a sure thing in the Stejarii team, offering top-tier physicality that can break down most defences. Combining his physical prowess with refined footwork makes him one of the best assets for David Gérard’s national team.

Stefan Buruiana

He may be young, but hooker Ștefan Buruiană is already a team leader and someone who can inspire his teammates to believe anything is possible. He is a smart front-row operator who can easily identify the opposition’s weaknesses and quickly capitalise on them, all to help Romania secure a win.    

RWC icon

Romanian Men’s Rugby World Cup legends don’t come bigger than the great Romeo Gontineac. The powerful and elusive centre represented his country in four Rugby World Cups as a player – showing an undying passion and profound love for the cause, and coached them at the 2011 tournament. 

For opposition players, however, Gontineac might be best-remembered for delivering dominant tackles. 

RWC cult hero

Petre Mitu. There will never be another Romanian scrum-half like Mitu. A kicking maestro who was always ready to take up the fight, no matter the opposition. 

Despite only playing at one Rugby World Cup, in 1999, Mitu’s passion and spirit mark Romanian rugby to this day, and he is considered one of the most popular heroes in the country’s rugby history.

Head coach

David Gérard has led Romania since 2024, and the experienced French coach has successfully steered his side to more promising waters.

Under his management, Romania have beaten Portugal, Canada and the USA, an impressive feat considering they have undergone a profound rebuild in recent years. 

Most memorable match

It didn’t end in a victory song, but even to this day, the Romanian rugby community talks about their outing against the Springboks at Rugby World Cup 1995.

To the surprise of many, the Stejarii scrum had the upper hand over their opponents. While they fell to a 21-8 defeat, fans didn’t care, as they had witnessed a stellar performance from their team.

South Africa went on to claim their first title, further highlighting the significance of Romania’s achievement.   

Pool journey

3 October 2027 v Georgia (Townsville | Gurambilbarra)
11 October v Italy (Sydney | Gadigal)
17 October v South Africa (Perth | Boorloo)

Did you know...? 

Nicolae Paulescu’s name might not ring any bells, but according to more than one renowned scientist, the Romanian physiologist, professor of medicine and politician deserves greater credit for his contributions to the development of insulin. 

Paulescu successfully treated diabetes in dogs, publishing several papers on the subject. While his saltine extract didn’t work on humans, he laid down some of the principles that would drive the scientific community to save countless lives. 

RWC history

Pool stage (9) - 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2023 

Romania have featured at nine Rugby World Cups – the exception being RWC 2019 when they failed to qualify – and have never progressed beyond the pool phase, but won matches in the 1987, 1991, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015 editions. 

Key stat 

Five of Romania’s six wins at Rugby World Cups have come by margins of fewer than five points. The exception was a 37-7 victory over Namibia at Australia 2003 in Launceston, Tasmania.

RWC Fast facts 

• RWC debut: 1987
• RWC best finish: Third in pool (1987, 1991, 1999)
• Most RWC appearances: Ovidiu Tonita, Romeo Gontineac (14)
• Top RWC try scorer: Marius Tincu (three)
• Top RWC points scorer: Florin Vlaicu (28)