Romania name World Cup squad

Lynn Howells has named his 31-man squad for the World Cup. The majority come from the group that claimed first place in the Nations Cup, with only seven players added. Mihai Macovei continues as captain, and there is a recall for veteran Ovidiu Tonita, who will be traveling to his 5th World Cup, though he did not make a match appearance in the 1999 tournament.

Two players, tighthead prop Paulica Ion and flyhalf Dan Dumbrava, will head to their 4th World Cup, and this will mark three for each of Valentin Ursache, Valentin Calafeteanu, Csaba Gal, and Florin Vlaicu. Catalin Fercu played in the 2007 tournament but famously withdrew from 2011 in New Zealand citing his fear of flying long distances.

The vastly experienced squad contains 12 players with more than 50 caps, with Mihai Lazar sitting just below on 48 and Andrei Radoi and Valentin Poparlan not far behind with 45 and 46 caps earned respectively. On the other end of the spectrum are three uncapped players – scrumhalf Tudorel Bratu, second row Johannes van Heerden, and midfielder Paula Kinikinilau.

Kinikinilau, brother of former New Zealand sevens player Roy, is one of three import players recently qualified for Romania on residency. The others are van Heerden of South Africa and a second New Zealander, flyhalf Michael Wiringi. Hooker Otar Turashvili is of Georgian origin but has resided in Romania for many years.

Romania have completed a brief trip to the UK, tying English club Yorkshire Carnegie 10-10 and losing to Edinburgh 31-16, though it should be noted both matches featured rolling substitutes, effectively a controlled scrimmage.

The Oaks now return home to Bucharest, where they will host Tonga in their final match on home soil before returning to England for their opening Pool D match against France on September 23 at the Olympic Stadium in London. Also joining them in the pool are Canada, Ireland, and Italy.

FORWARDS
Paulica Ion (Perpignan), Mihaita Lazar (Castres), Horatiu Pungea (Lyon), Alexandru Tarus (Timisoara), Andrei Ursache (Carcassonne), Eugen Capatana (Timisoara), Andrei Radoi (Ealing), Otar Turashvili (CSM Bucuresti), Marius Antonescu (Tarbes), Valentin Popirlan (Timisoara), Valentin Ursache (Oyonnax), Johannes van Heerden (Baia Mare), Stelian Burcea (Timisoara), Daniel Carpo (CSM Bucuresti), Viorel Lucaci (Steaua), Mihai Macovei (capt., Massy), Ovidiu Tonita (Aix)

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