Official Site
Nickname: The Oaks
Colors: Yellow/Blue/Red
Honors: (3) European Nations Cups
Anthem: Deşteaptă-te, române (Awaken thee, Romanian!)

World Rugby Shop - official gear of Romania at WRS

The Romania national rugby union team, nicknamed The Oaks (Stejarii), have long been one of the stronger European teams outside of the Six Nations tournament. They take part in international competitions, notably the World Cup, the European Nations Cup and the Super Cup. Rugby union in Romania is administered by the Romanian Rugby Federation. They play in yellow and blue strips.

France first played Test rugby against Romania in 1924 when they tried to establish a rival to the Five Nations championship. At their best, during the 1980s, the national side defeated Wales (twice), Scotland (the 1984 Grand Slam side) and France (twice). In 1981, they lost to the All Blacks 14-6 but had two tries disallowed. Many felt it was wrong for the rugby powers to fail to bring them in to top-flight competition. There are even rumours that the Oaks were invited to join but refused because the championship took place during their winter break. However, with the subsequent deterioration of the domestic political and economic situation in the country rugby in Romania suffered.

Nonetheless Romania have played in every Rugby World Cup since the first competition was held in 1987 in Australia and New Zealand, with their best result being a win during the pool stages. However, the likes of Georgia have challenged Romania for top spot below the Six Nations, and Georgia, along with Portugal have both won the European Nations Cup (or Six Nations B). Romania will play in Pool C at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, along with Portugal, the All Blacks, Italy and Scotland.

Anthem

Desteapta-te romane

Romania's current national anthem is "Wake Up Romania" and was offically introduced after the revolution in December 1989. It had previously been banned by the communist party.

Desteapta-te romane din somnul cel de moarte
Din care te-adancira barbarii de tirani, barbarii de tirani.
Acum ori niciodata, croieste-ti alta soarta
La care sa se-nchine si cruzii tai dusmani
Si cruzii tai dusmani.

Courtesy of Radu Constantin