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Twenty-four years after playing in Australia, Romania will compete again in the country at Rugby World Cup 2027. The Stejarii were convincing winners over Belgium on Saturday. The 31-14 road victory followed a 48-10 win over Germany in the opening round. The results meant Romania was virtually assured of a place at Rugby World Cup 2027. With Portugal beating Germany, the day after Romania defeated Belgium, the Stejarii officially qualified for Australia 2027.
Romania is one of the most important countries in the history of the sport of rugby. Romania won Bronze Medal at the 1924 Olympic Games and featured in all but one of the Rugby World Cups from 1987-2023. Rugby World Cup 2027, which will be the 10th for the Stejarii, is now inches away.
The win over Belgium was far from easy. The halftime scoreline was 10-7 in favor of the Eastern Europeans. Romania’s 31-14 win came with a critical runaway interception try.
The Stejarii followed Georgia which, combined, represents two of Europe’s four allocated spots. The two countries join automatic qualifiers Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, England, Argentina, Wales, Ireland, France, Fiji, Scotland, Italy and Japan.
Two more spots were claimed on Sunday: both Spain and Portugal booked their tickets to Australia. Spain did so by downing Switzerland while Portugal overcame Germany. With the four spots from Europe now accounted for there are sixteen claimed for Australia 2027 and eight vacancies remaining.
Rugby World Cup 2027 will contain twenty-four teams. Qualification in the Americas began in 2024. Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay will contest the South American finals in 2025 while Canada and the USA will compete in the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) which doubles as Australia 2027 Qualifying.
BELGIUM  VS ROMANIA – MATCH HIGHLIGHTS |
