Romania Roster for USA, Canada and Uruguay

The Romanian roster has been revealed for the upcoming home internationals. The Oaks will play three matches, all being against Americas opposition. First up will be the USA this coming Saturday. Canada will play on November 19 and Uruguay on November 26.

Half of the team that participated in the World Cup a year ago remain, including scrumhalf Florin Surugiu who returns for the first time since that tournament having missed out on the European Nations Cup and World Rugby Nations Cup. The selection is heavily centered around Romania champions Timisoara, their only entry into the European Challenge Cup.

A mix of experience and youth is seen with five uncapped players. Timisoara lock Ionut Muresan is called for the first time as is Tongan-born teammate Fonovai Tangimana, a bruising three-quarter who has qualified on residency. 20-year-old midfielder Florin Popa and teenage outside back Marius Simionescu, both from Timisoara, are both included. With the experienced Ursache brothers Andrei and Valentin unavailable for family reasons, there is recall for once-capped Carcassonne prop Ionel Badiu and 19-year-old flanker Cristi Chirica.

Romania have enjoyed a strong 2016 having finished second to Georgia in the European Nations Cup, their only loss coming against the Lelos in Tbilisi. An undefeated World Rugby Nations Cup in Bucharest saw them take the title with a final victory over the Argentina XV.

FORWARDS
Ionel Badiu (Carcassonne, FR), Alex Gordas (FRR), Mihaita Lazar (Castres, FR), Constantin Pristavita (Baia Mare), Alexandru Tarus (Béziers, FR), Florin Bardasu (Baia Mare), Eugen Capatana (Timisoara), Andrei Radoi (Timisoara), Marius Antonescu (Tarbes, FR), Ionut Muresan (Timisoara), Valentin Poparlan (Timisoara), Johan van Heerden (Baia Mare), Stelian Burcea (Timisoara), Cristi Chirica (Baia Mare), Andrei Gorcioaia (Valence d’Agen, FR), Viorel Lucaci (Steaua), Vasile Rus (Timisoara)

BACKS
Tudorel Bratu (Dinamo), Valentin Calafeteanu (Timisoara), Florin Surugiu (Steaua), Ovidiu Melniciuc (Uni Cluj), Jody Rose (Timisoara), Florin Popa (Timisoara), Fonovai Tangimana (Timisoara), Jack Umaga (Timisoara), Florin Vlaicu (Steaua), Ionut Dumitru (Steaua), Madalin Lemnaru (Timisoara), Nicolas Onutu (La Voulte, FR), Stephen Shennan (Timisoara), Catalin Fercu (Timisoara), Marius Simionescu (Timisoara)