Romania names World Cup training squad

Following up on Romania’s dominant performance at the Nations Cup, head coach Lynn Howells has named 36 players in his World Cup training squad. Included are three uncapped players – South African second row Johannes van Heerden, Dinamo scrumhalf Tudorel Bratu, and New Zealand-born midfielder Paula Kinikinilau. Also included are new caps Randall Morrison and Michael Wiringi, both making their debuts during the tournament in Bucharest.

Other players added to squad who did not take part in the competition include former captain Ovidiu Tonita, who could play in his fourth World Cup; props Paulica Ion, Horatiu Pungea and Alexandru Tarus; experienced Oyonnax forward Valentin Ursache; and Orthez utility back Dorin Manole.

Returning players from the 2011 World Cup include tighthead prop Ion and loosehead Mihaita Lazar; second row Valentin Popirlan; loose forwards Stelian Burcea and Mihai Macovei; halfbacks Florin Surugiu, Valentin Calafeteanu, and Dan Dumbrava; midfielders Florin Vlaicu and Csaba Gal; and winger Adrian Apostol. The captain of that team, hooker Marius Tincu, is now on the staff as an assistant coach.

The Oaks have yet to confirm their World Cup preparation plans, though a proposed match against Tonga on September 5 appears to be close to fruition. A short tour to the UK has also been discussed by management, likely involving Pro 12 or Aviva Premiership teams.

Romania are in Pool D at the World Cup along with Canada, France, Ireland, and Italy.

FORWARDS
Paulica Ion (Perpignan), Mihaita Lazar (Castres), Constantin Pristavita (Baia Mare), Horatiu Pungea (Lyon), Alexandru Tarus (Timisoara), Andrei Ursache (Carcassonne), Mihai Adascalitei (Dinamo), Andrei Radoi (Ealing), Otar Turashvili (CSM Bucuresti), Marius Antonescu (Tarbes), Marian Drenceanu (Timisoara), Valentin Popirlan (Timisoara), Valentin Ursache (Oyonnax), Johannes van Heerden (Baia Mare), Stelian Burcea (Timisoara), Viorel Lucaci (Steaua), Mihai Macovei (capt., Massy), Randall Morrison (Timisoara), Vlad Nistor (Castres), Ovidiu Tonita (Aix)

BACKS
Tudurel Bratu (Dinamo), Valentin Calafeteanu (Timisoara), Florin Surugiu (CSM Bururesti), Dan Dumbrava (Steaua), Michael Wiringi (Baia Mare), Robert Dascalu (Steaua), Csaba Gal (Cluj), Florin Ionita (Steaua), Paula Kinikinilau (Timisoara), Florin Vlaicu (CSM Bucuresti), Adrian Apostol (Baia Mare), Ionut Botezatu (Baia Mare), Ionut Dumitru (Steaua), Catalin Fercu (Saracens), Dorin Manole (Orthez), Sabin Stratila (Steaua)