Nine France-based players in Romania's World Cup squad
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Romania coach Eugen Apjok on Wednesday selected nine players based in France including Stade Francais prop Thomas Cretu in his 33-man squad for next month’s World Cup in France.
Toulon back Atila Septar, who was expected to play at the tournament, has left the group for “personal reasons”, the Romanian Rugby Federation said in its statement.
Romania will appear at their ninth World Cup having missed out on the 2019 edition after they were disqualified for fielding ineligible players.
Ranked 19th in the world will feature in a touch group playing top-ranked Ireland in their opening game in Pool B before taking on defending champions South Africa. They will also face Scotland and Tonga.
Romania have lost warm-up matches to the USA (17-31) and Georgia (6-56). Their final preparation game is on Saturday against Italy in Parma.
Romania World Cup squad
Forwards: Alexandru Savin, Gheorghe Gajion, Thomas Cretu), Alexandru Gordas, Costel Burtila, Iulian Hartig, Ovidiu Cojocaru, Robert Irimescu, Florin Bardasu, Adrian Motoc, Marius Iftimiciuc, Stefan Iancu, Cristi Chirica (Capt), Mihai Macovei, Vlad Neculau, Dragos Ser, Cristi Boboc, Florian Rosu , Damian Stratila.
Backs: Gabriel Rupanu, Florin Surugiu, Alin Conache, Gabriel Pop, Mihai Muresan, Tudor Boldor, Nicolas Onutu, Marius Simionescu, Tangimana Fonovai, Taylor Gontineac, Jason Tomane, Tevita Manumua, Hinckley Vaovasa, Paul Popoaia.
