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Romania
The Romania national rugby union team, nicknamed Stejarii (The Oaks), compete in the Rugby Europe Championship and the World Rugby Nations Cup. They’ve also appeared in all but one edition of the Rugby World Cup.
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World Ranking
Romania are currently 21st in the World Rugby Rankings. Their highest ever ranking was 13th in June 2006.
Ranking Over Time
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2003
2015
2026
Romania Matches
Sat 18 Jul, 2026
Sun 3 Oct, 2027
Mon 11 Oct, 2027
Romania Rugby Team Players
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Romania Backs
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Romania Rugby Team
The Romania rugby team are one of Europe's strongest sides outside of the traditional Six Nations teams. Although the side may not be as established as some of Europe's top nations, the Romania rugby team does hold some marquee victories over four of the Six Nations Championship teams (France, Italy, Scotland and Wales), as well as an away draw against Ireland.
The Romania rugby team regularly features in the Rugby World Cup and they're a powerhouse in the Rugby Europe Championship, which they've won five times in the tournament's history. From 2026 they’ll also compete in the newly formed World Rugby Nations Cup.
Rugby was first played competitively in Romania back in 1924, when Romania and France tried to establish a rival to the Five Nations Championship. However, the competition never really took hold and France comprehensively beat Romania 59-3. Later that year, Romania was one of only three teams to enter the Olympics. However, the Romanian rugby team were once again comprehensively beaten by France and comfortably beaten by the USA.
Following World War Two, the Romania rugby team finally came to prominence. Backed by the communist state, the side was successful throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s. During this period, they beat France for the first time and gained several wins over established sides.
At this point, the team also gained the nickname 'The Oaks', which they still use to this day. The nickname stemmed from the team's distinctive style of play, which was built around giant, bruising packs. However, the fall of communism in the country meant that rugby lost funding and Romania lost many top stars to France and Italy before the turn of the millennium.
Thankfully, the decline was halted in 2000. Ever since, the Romanian rugby team have begun to re-establish themselves on the international stage. Since then, they've won the Rugby Europe Championship five times.
In addition, in the history of the Rugby World Cup, they've qualified for every edition of the tournament and competed well in the pool stage. However, they were expelled from the 2019 tournament after qualification because they fielded an ineligible player.
Although the Romania rugby team isn't considered to be a top-tier side, several notable stars have played for the team, including the gifted playmaker Iulian Dumitraș, former captain Sorin Socol and formidable lock Cristian Petre. Added to this, the entire 1924 Romania Olympic team were inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
Today, the Romania rugby team includes several recognisable faces and high-class players, such as Marius Antonescu and Alexandru Savin.
FAQs
When was the Romania rugby team founded?
The Romania rugby team played in their first ever international in 1919. They faced the United States in Paris and both sides were represented by military men. The USA won the contest 21-0.
What is the Romania rugby team’s biggest win?
Romania’s biggest win came in 1976. They defeated Bulgaria 0-100 in Burgas.
What is the Romania rugby team’s biggest defeat?
Romania suffered their biggest defeat in 2001. They were beaten 134-0 by England in London.
Who is Romania's record appearance maker?
Romania’s record appearance-maker is Florin Vlaicu. He represented his country in 129 matches between 2006 and 2022.
Who has scored the most tries for Romania?
Cătălin Fercu has scored the most tries for Romania. He crossed the whitewash 33 times between 2005 and 2020.
Who has scored the most points for Romania?
Florin Vlaicu has scored the most points for Romania. He scored 1,321 points for his country in 129 matches between 2006 and 2022.
