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Romanian Wolves

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Romanian Wolves
Full nameRomanian Wolves
Nickname(s)Lupii (The Wolves)
FoundedJune 9, 2004; 20 years ago (2004-06-09)
as Selecționata București
LocationRomania
Ground(s)Arcul de Triumf Stadium (Capacity: 8,207)
Coach(es)David Gérard
Captain(s)Ovidiu Cojocaru
Most appearancesFlorin Vlaicu (57)
Top scorerFlorin Vlaicu (314)
Most triesCătălin Fercu (8)
League(s)Rugby Europe Super Cup
20244th
1st kit
2nd kit

The Romanian Wolves (Romanian: Lupii Români) is a professional Romanian rugby union team that competes annually in the Rugby Europe Super Cup.

History

[edit]

2004-2008: Initial Stages - Test Team for the National Squad

[edit]

At the end of the 2003-2004 season, both champions Dinamo Bucharest and runners-up Steaua Bucharest declined the opportunity to take part in European competitions next season, mainly for financial reasons.[1] With this in mind, the Romanian Rugby Federation decided to patch things up and create a new representative team based in Bucharest named "Selecționata București" (which could be translated as "Bucharest Representative Team") or simply "București" (translated as "Bucharest") in order to be more competitive on the international stage. Essentially, the idea was to create a team that would bring together the most valuable rugby players from the domestic championship and test them, give them a chance to prove they could be part of the senior national rugby team,[2] as well as providing some international experience for the up and coming local players. For this reason, the team was also known as "Romania A", a label that was fairly used in the Romanian sports media during the early years of the team's existence.[3][a] The 2004-2005 season marked the Bucharest Representative Team's debut in Europe, albeit not in the European Challenge Cup, which they were eligible for after Dinamo Bucharest withdrew, but rather in the European Shield.[1][b] They played Leonessa Rugby from Italy in the opening round. On December 5, 2004, the Bucharest Representative Team played their debut match at the Steaua stadium in Ghencea and emerged victorious with a score of 18-15.[4] Even with Valentin Ursache's red card elimination, the Romanians managed to achieve victory with points scored by Ion Teodorescu's try, Iulian Andrei's two penalties, and a transformation from a penalty try granted at the beginning of the second half. However, in the return match, Romania A lost with a score of 32-21,[5] resulting in their failure to qualify for the next round. Despite Lacatus and Teodorescu's two attempts, the team paid tribute to indiscipline, yellow cards being given to Alexandru Lacatus, Cornel Tatu, and Florin Poenaru.

From the 2005-06 season onwards, the Bucharest Representative Team took part in the Amlin Challenge Cup. In this particular edition, the Romanian side was placed in a group alongside Gloucester, Bayonne, and Toulon. Despite facing five defeats, they experienced a notable triumph at Stade Félix Mayol against Toulon, securing a 23-17 victory.[6] Players like Fercu, Ratiu, and Fercu once again, successfully scored three tries, with the last one being the decisive moment just three minutes before the game concluded.

In the 2006-07 season, the Romanians had a commendable performance in their group matches against Newport Dragons, Bristol, and Bayonne. They achieved a notable victory against Bayonne in Bucharest with a final score of 32-27,[7] despite being behind 12-17 at halftime. Catalin Dascalu, Costica Mersoiu, and Catalin Fercu each scored a try, with Fercu's last one proving to be decisive. However, they faced defeats against Newport with scores of 29-39 [8] and 10-66,[9] and against Bristol with scores of 3-27 [10] and 19-33.[11] In the match against Bayonne, the Bucharest Representative Team fought hard but ultimately conceded with a score of 38-31,[12] although Fercu managed to score three tries.

During the 2007-2008 season, Selectionata Bucuresti had their most successful participation on record. They achieved two victories and a draw in a group that included Worcester, Gran Parma, and Montauban. In Italy, they had a thrilling 23-23 draw [13] against Gran Parma, with Stelian Burcea, Costica Mersoiu, and Vasile Rus scoring successful attempts. In the rematch, they narrowly won 21-20,[14] with Gheorghita Bigiu and Ionut Dimofte each managing a try, and Florin Vlaicu contributing a conversion and three penalty kicks. Their second victory came against the French team Montauban, with a final score of 19-17.[15] Dimofte scored a try, which was converted by Vlaicu, who also added points from four penalty kicks. It is worth noting that the Romanian international Bogdan Balan played for the opposing team.

2008-2011: Taking on a Familiar Image - Adopting the Oak Leaf

[edit]

Starting from the 2008-2009 season, the Bucharest Representative Team underwent a transformation and became known as the Bucharest Oaks.[16] Competing alongside Bourgoin, Worcester, and Petrarca Padova, their performance was rather lackluster, with only one victory achieved during an away match against Padova. During the home game, we unfortunately succumbed to the Italians with a score of 14-20,[17] as they managed to secure one try and Ludovic Mercier successfully converted five penalties. However, in a thrilling match held in Italy, Florin Vlaicu emerged as the hero by securing the winning points through a penalty kick in the 74th minute, leading the Oaks to a triumphant 17-15 victory.[18]

In the 2009-10 edition, Bucharest Oaks secured just one victory. They emerged triumphant against Overmach Parma with a score of 21-9.[19] The points were scored by Csaba Gal and Cosmin Ratiu through tries, Florin Vlaicu with a conversion and two penalties, and Ionut Dimofte with a drop goal. The Oaks also put up a commendable performance against the French team Bourgoin, narrowly losing with a score of 19-21 at the end of the game,[20] after being tied 13-13 at halftime. A similar scenario unfolded in their match against Leeds at home, where they were leading 6-3 until the 70th minute but eventually lost with a score of 6-10.[21] However, they experienced losses against Bourgoin resulting in a score of 15-33,[22] Parma resulting in a score of 9-16 [23] and a significant defeat against Leeds with a score 0-47.[24]

During the 2010–11 season, they once again achieved the single victory feat in the pool stage of the Amlin Challenge Cup and also showcased an impressive performance at home against the esteemed French team, Stade Francais. Bucharest Oaks secured a narrow 20-19 win [25] versus Crociati, with a try scored by Catalin Nicolae and five penalties successfully executed by Danut Dumbrava. Despite scoring two tries through Madalin Lemnaru and Stelian Burcea in the match against Stade Francais, they ultimately had to accept defeat with a score of 20-29.[26] Stade Francais boasted a formidable lineup including renowned players like Hugo Bonneval, Pascal Papé, Sergio Parisse, Julien Dupuy, and Mathieu Bastareaud.

2011-2015: A Renewed Start - Wolves Replaces Oaks as the New Identity

[edit]

In the summer of 2011, the Romanian Rugby Federation announced that they've decided to change the team's name from Bucharest Oaks to Bucharest Wolves in order to avoid confusion with the Romanian national team,[27] also referred as "The Oaks." In the 2011-2012 edition of the Amlin Challenge Cup, the Bucharest Wolves were placed in a group with Stade Francais, Worcester, and Crociati and managed to secure two victories against the Italians. At the Arcul de Triumf stadium, they won 34-7 [28] and obtained the offensive bonus thanks to Adrian Apostol's hat-trick and Florin Vlaicu's four successful conversions and two penalty kicks. In the return game, they replicated the same performance with a 26-13 victory,[29] this time with Apostol, Flavius Dobre, and Florin Surugiu's double ensuring the offensive bonus. It's worth noting their impressive performance against Worcester in Bucharest, where they led 13-12 until the last quarter of the game, but unfortunately conceded two attempts and lost 13-24.[30]

In the 2012-2013 edition of the Amlin Challenge Cup, the Bucharest Wolves were placed in a group alongside Bath, Agen, and Calvisano. Throughout the tournament, they were able to secure 2 wins out of 6 matches. One notable triumph was their victory against the French team Agen, which took place in Bucharest on December 8, 2012. This thrilling game was filled with intense moments, and it was ultimately decided by Florin Vlaicu's remarkable penalty kick from 45 meters on the left side, resulting in a final score of 25-22.[31]

In the following season, the 2013-2014 Amlin Challenge Cup, the Romanians who were placed in Pool 3 alongside Newcastle Falcons, Brive and Calvisano, delivered a series of determined performances. At home, they faced Newcastle Falcons, leading 12-10 at halftime due to four penalty kicks from Valentin Calafeteanu but ultimately lost.[32] Against Brive, the Wolves led in both legs. In the away match, Florin Vlaicu’s three penalties secured a halftime lead, but they fell short in the second half.[33] On their own turf, they were ahead 13-9 until the 57th minute before Thomas Laranjeira’s precision sealed Brive's victory.[34] Despite valiant efforts, the team struggled to secure victories but these performances underscored the team’s competitive spirit against top European opposition.

The 2014-2015 season saw Bucharest Wolves qualifying for the European Rugby Challenge Cup through the Rugby Europe play-off. They withstood Italian club and old foes Calvisano in a two-legged tie. The Wolves won the first leg 18-13 at home, held at the Stadionul Arcul de Triumf,[35] and narrowly lost the second leg 13-10 in Italy.[36] However, their aggregate score of 28-26 secured their place in Pool 3. In Pool 3, the Wolves faced stiff competition from Stade Français, Newport Gwent Dragons and Newcastle Falcons. It proved to be the most challenging european campaign to date and the team finished without a win, placing fourth in the group. Despite this, there were moments of resilience and strong individual performances. Notably, they pushed Stade Français to a close 13-9 defeat in Bucharest, with Florin Vlaicu contributing vital penalties.[37] While outmatched in other fixtures, the Wolves demonstrated tenaciousness against high-caliber opponents.

2015: Transition from Bucharest Wolves to Domestic Club Representation

[edit]

After the 2014-2015 season, Bucharest Wolves ceased competing due to organizational changes in Romanian rugby. The decision was made by the Romanian Rugby Federation to replace the Wolves with the winner of Romania's domestic professional league, Liga Națională de Rugby, starting with the 2015-2016 season.[38] This was part of an effort to improve the visibility and competitiveness of local club teams rather than fielding a selection-based side for international club tournaments.[38] Among the factors was the reality of having the Wolves struggling to advance past the pool stages in their Challenge Cup history and them facing strives such as limited resources and difficulties in competing against stronger European club teams. Their final season in 2014-2015 saw them fail to win any of their matches, signaling an end to their run as a composite team.

2022: The Resurgence of the Romanian Wolves in European Rugby

[edit]

In 2022, the Wolves, previously inactive since 2015, revived as a competitive rugby team. Now labeled as Romanian Wolves, they entered the Rugby Europe Super Cup (RESC) marking a return to european club competition. This decision followed a strategic move by the Romanian Rugby Union (FRR) to boost the country's rugby development by creating a team that could help bridge the gap between emerging players and top-level international competition.[39] Under the leadership of head coach Sosene Anesi, who at that time served as a backs coach for Romania's national team, the Romanian Wolves joined the RESC's Eastern Conference for the 2022 season.[40] This league offered them the opportunity to compete against strong teams like the Tel Aviv Heat and sides from Georgia like the Black Lion and Rugby Club Batumi. This was a significant moment for Romanian rugby as it allowed their top players to compete at a higher level of intensity, helping with their growth and potentially improving the national team's performance in future international events.


Period Name
2004–2008 Bucharest Representative Team
2008–2011 Bucharest Oaks
2011–2015 Bucharest Wolves
2022– Romanian Wolves

Current squad

[edit]
As of 19 October 2024[41]
Romanian Wolves Rugby Europe Super Cup squad

Props

Hookers

Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

  • South Africa Dylan Raymond Schwartz
  • Romania David Rafael Florea Jilăveanu
  • Romania Mihai Graure
  • RomaniaAustralia Jason Tomane*

Wings

Fullbacks

(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players.
* denotes players qualified to play for Romania on residency or dual nationality.

Current coaching staff

[edit]

The current coaching staff of the Romanian Wolves:

Name Nationality Role
Iustin Ilioiu  ROU Manager
David Gérard  FRA Head Coach
Simon Maisuradze  GEO Assistant Coach (Forwards Coach)
Benjamin Lapeyre  FRA Assistant Coach (Backs Coach)
David Popa  ROU Video Analyst
Michael Dalley  UK Strength & Conditioning Head Coach
Adrien Hass  FRA Strength & Conditioning Assistant Coach
Daniel Carpo  ROU Strength & Conditioning Assistant Coach
Ilie Vlad  ROU Team Doctor
Marius Todosi  ROU Physiotherapist

Last updated: 18 October 2024
Source: Rugby Romania

Results and statistics

[edit]

European Shield

[edit]
Year Played Won Drawn Loss For Against
2004–05 2 1 0 1 39 47

European Challenge Cup / European Rugby Challenge Cup

[edit]
Year Pool Pos Played Won Drawn Loss Bonus Pts For Against
2005–06 3 3rd 6 1 0 5 1 5 71 253
2006–07 1 3rd 6 1 0 5 4 8 124 230
2007–08 2 3rd 6 2 1 3 0 10 77 158
2008–09 3 4th 6 1 0 5 1 5 87 197
2009–10 1 4th 6 1 0 5 3 7 70 136
2010–11 4 3rd 6 1 0 5 1 5 74 148
2011–12 1 3rd 6 2 0 4 2 10 102 184
2012–13 4 3rd 6 2 0 4 1 9 121 215
2013–14 3 3rd 6 2 0 4 2 10 94 105
2014–15 3 4th 6 0 0 6 1 1 77 261

European Rugby Continental Shield [c]

[edit]
Year Played Won Drawn Loss For Against
2014 2 1 0 1 28 26

Rugby Europe Super Cup

[edit]
Year Round Played Won Drawn Loss Bonus Pts For Against
2022 Eastern Conference 6 1 0 5 1 5 92 210
2023 Pool B 3 3 0 0 3 15 167 17
Semi-finals 1 0 0 1 - - 6 31
3rd place final 1 1 0 0 - - 41 17
2024 Pool B 3 2 0 1 3 11 118 77
Pool B final 1 1 0 0 - - 46 24

Badge

[edit]
  • 2008-2011 logo
    2008-2011 logo
  • 2011-2015 logo
    2011-2015 logo

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ This reference[3] is an example of an online article where the label "Romania A" was used
  2. ^ The primary objective was to secure more time for the team's preparation and cohesion. This was primarily because the European Shield commenced in December–January, whereas the Challenge Cup had an earlier start in October. Moreover, it served as an opportunity to assess and prepare players who could potentially strengthen the national team for the ongoing European Nations Cup.
  3. ^ Formerly known, in 2014, as European Rugby Challenge Cup Qualifying Competition, this was a rugby union competition organised for entry into the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "S-a decis: nici Dinamo si nici Steaua nu merg in Cupele Europene". www.rugby.ro. June 9, 2004. Archived from the original on October 29, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  2. ^ "Participarile Selectionatei Bucurestiului in Amlin Challenge Cup". www.rugbyromania.ro. October 11, 2012. Archived from the original on October 29, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  3. ^ a b ""Am avut ocazia sa inscriem acele 3 puncte care ne puteau califica", spune Virgil Nastase, antrenorul Romaniei A". www.rugby.ro. December 13, 2004. Archived from the original on November 7, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  4. ^ "Romania A - Leonessa 18-15". www.rugby.ro. December 5, 2004. Archived from the original on November 12, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  5. ^ "Leonessa - Romania A 32-21". www.rugby.ro. December 10, 2004. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  6. ^ "Selectionata Bucurestiului a invins la Toulon cu 23-17!". www.rugby.ro. January 21, 2006. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  7. ^ "Selectionata Bucurestiului a castigat cu 32-17 (12-17) in meciul cu Bayonne". www.rugby.ro. October 28, 2006. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  8. ^ "Bucuresti - Newport 29-39 (10-24)". www.rugby.ro. December 16, 2006. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  9. ^ "Newport - Selectionata Bucurestiului 66-10 - Scor final". www.rugby.ro. December 8, 2006. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  10. ^ "Selectionata Bucurestiului - Bristol 3-27 : I-am dominat pe englezi cu inaintarea". www.rugby.ro. October 21, 2006. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  11. ^ "Bristol - Bucuresti - 33-19 - Scor final". www.rugby.ro. January 19, 2007. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  12. ^ "Bayonne – Bucuresti 38-31 scor final. Bucurestiul a luat 2 puncte bonus!". www.rugby.ro. January 12, 2007. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  13. ^ "Meciul de sambata, Parma – Bucuresti 23-23, al doilea egal in cupele europene pentru romani". www.rugby.ro. November 19, 2007. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  14. ^ "Bucuresti a invins Parma in Challenge Cup cu 21-20, dupa 14-3 la pauza". www.rugby.ro. January 13, 2008. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  15. ^ "Superba victorie a Bucurestiului: 19-17 cu Montauban, echipa de pe locul 5 din Franta!". www.rugby.ro. December 8, 2007. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  16. ^ "Stejarii Bucuresti joaca acasa primele 3 meciuri din Challenge Cup". www.rugby.ro. July 28, 2008. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  17. ^ "Stejarii Bucuresti au pierdut cu Petrarca Padova: 14-20". www.rugby.ro. December 7, 2008. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  18. ^ "Stejarii Bucuresti au castigat la Padova: 17-15 cu Petrarca, in etapa a IV-a a Challenge Cup". www.rugby.ro. December 13, 2008. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  19. ^ "Stejarii Bucuresti au invins Parma in Chalenge Cup: 21-9". www.rugby.ro. October 11, 2009. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  20. ^ "Stejarii Bucuresti au ratat victoria in ultima secunda in fata lui Bourgoin: 19-21". www.rugby.ro. October 17, 2009. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  21. ^ "Stejarii Bucuresti au ratat sansa de a fi pe locul 1 in grupa din Challenge Cup: 6-10 cu Leeds". www.rugby.ro. December 12, 2009. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  22. ^ "Stejarii Bucuresti, a 4-a infrangere in Challenge Cup: 15-33 cu Bourgoin". www.rugby.ro. January 15, 2010. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  23. ^ "Stejarii au pierdut si ultimul meci din Challenge Cup: 9-16 in deplasare la Parma". www.rugby.ro. January 23, 2010. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  24. ^ "Stejarii au pierdut fara sa marcheze macar un punct la Leeds: 0-47". www.rugby.ro. December 20, 2009. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  25. ^ "Cu eseu in ultimul minut: Stejarii au invins Crociati, 20-19". www.rugby.ro. October 16, 2010. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  26. ^ "Stejarii Bucuresti - Stade Francais 20-29. Am pierdut bonusul defensiv in ultima secunda". www.rugby.ro. December 11, 2010. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  27. ^ "Bucharest Wolves va reprezenta Romania in AMLIN Challenge Cup". www.rugbyromania.ro. June 13, 2011. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  28. ^ "Wolves start with bonus-point win". www.ercrugby.com. November 13, 2011. Archived from the original on November 14, 2011. Retrieved November 14, 2011.
  29. ^ "Wolves end on a high". www.ercrugby.com. January 21, 2012. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
  30. ^ "Bucharest Wolves - Worcester Warriors 13-24". www.eurosport.com. December 11, 2011. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  31. ^ "Bucharest Wolves - Agen 25-22". www.eurosport.com. December 8, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  32. ^ "Newcastle survive Romanian scare". www.ercrugby.com. October 12, 2013. Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
  33. ^ "Quick-fire brace sees Brive home". www.ercrugby.com. December 12, 2013. Archived from the original on February 6, 2014. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
  34. ^ "Laranjeira boot rescues Brive". www.ercrugby.com. December 7, 2013. Archived from the original on December 17, 2013. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
  35. ^ "Fără rugbyștii lui RCM UVT Timișoara, "Lupii" București înving în manșa I cu Calvisano prin punctele lui Vlaicu". www.sporttim.ro. September 12, 2014. Archived from the original on December 13, 2024. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
  36. ^ "Puncte băimărene: "Lupii" București se califică în Italia în prelungiri pentru European Rugby Challenge Cup". www.sporttim.ro. September 28, 2014. Archived from the original on December 13, 2024. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
  37. ^ "Stade Francais survive scare in Romania". www.epcrugby.com. October 25, 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
  38. ^ a b "RUGBY-UL ROMÂNESC / ANALIZĂ: Cluburile, între gloria din anii 60-90 și decadența din ultimul deceniu". www.rugby.ro. November 2, 2023. Archived from the original on December 14, 2024. Retrieved December 14, 2024.
  39. ^ "Selecționata Romanian Wolves va participa în Super Cup, ediția 2022, care debutează în luna septembrie". www.rugbyromania.ro. May 25, 2022. Archived from the original on December 14, 2024. Retrieved December 14, 2024.
  40. ^ "Romanian Wolves Join the Rugby Europe Super Cup". www.rugbyeurope.eu. Archived from the original on December 14, 2024. Retrieved December 14, 2024.
  41. ^ "Lupii înving Delta și termină pe primul loc Grupa B din Super Cup". www.rugbyromania.ro. October 19, 2024. Archived from the original on December 16, 2024. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
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