A former Soviet-bloc country and one of the poorer nations in Central and Eastern Europe, Romania’s population of just over 22 million people began to break free from the restraints of communism in the early 1990s.
The Federatia Romana de Rugby was formed in 1931, 18 years after the first game was played in the country. The game itself was introduced by students returning with rugby balls from their studies in Paris to form clubs such as Stadiul Roman.
Rugby became the chosen sport of the military in Romania and as a result flourished in the 1980s with the Oaks beating France and Wales away and Scotland, Italy and Samoa at home with their renowned forward power and hard-hitting defence.
However the demise of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his communist regime in late 1989, together with rugby’s close ties with the military saw popularity wane. A 134-0 reverse by England at Twickenham in November 2001 was to become a watershed moment for the sport’s redevelopment.
The loss proved a catalyst for revival in the proud rugby nation, which although cash-strapped now boasts around 80 clubs and 5,000 players. Romania won the European Nations Cup in 2002 and has seen more children take up the sport in recent years than ever before.