Florin Surugiu: Second oldest player at RWC 2023 finally hangs up boots

Forty-one-year-old Florin Surugiu has officially retired after playing his final match for Clubul Sportiv Rapid Bucuresti, signing off with a try that secured fifth place in the Romanian Cup.

Surugiu first picked up a ball at the age of eight and spent more than three decades in the sport, representing six clubs. He made his senior debut for Steaua Bucure?ti, helping the club lift the 2009 Romanian Cup, and won his first cap in 2008 when he came off the bench in Romania’s 10-06 win over Uruguay.

He joined CSM Bucuresti from 2013 to 2015 before a one-year spell in Italy with Calvisano. A return to Steaua followed in 2016, where he helped the Bucharest side collect another Romanian Cup.

He won his 100th cap on November 13, 2022, again against Uruguay, although this time the visitors claimed a 21-16 victory.

Surugiu is one of only five players to have made more than 100 appearances for Romania, alongside Florin Vlaicu, Catalin Fercu, Valentin Calafetaeanu, Mihai Macovei and Vlaicu. He represented the Stejarii at three World Cups and played his part in the famous 17-15 comeback win over Canada in 2015. Supporters will also remember him proposing to his now-wife after the match against Ireland.

He was the second-oldest player at the 2023 Rugby World Cup but still managed to score a sharp try in his final tournament appearance against Tonga.

Although he had planned to step away from Test rugby, he stayed involved for the 2024 Men’s Rugby Europe Championship, starting three games in a campaign that saw Romania finish fourth.

In his last seasons he was invited to join CS Rapid, adding both experience and calm to a young squad.

Romania head coach David Gérard spoke to RugbyPass about Surugiu’s retirement.

“It is always a sad day when you have to say goodbye to a player like Florin Surugiu, but all good things must come to an end. He did a great job for Romania for so many years, giving his all and his best. I only arrived after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, so I unfortunately only enjoyed the end. Surugiu did everything he could to help us in this transition period, sharing his massive knowledge and passion. I wish only the best to him.”

RugbyPass also spoke with Surugiu after his final outing, where he reflected on the moments that defined his career.

“It was important for me the moment I made my debut for the Romanian national team. I’ve wanted to represent my country since I was little. There are many happy moments I have experienced in my career, including participating in the 3 World Cups (2011, 2015, 2023), winning the European Championship in 2017, and reaching the milestone of 100 selections for Romania. If I could turn back time, I would still play rugby as I loved every minute of it.”