Apostol answers Romanian SOS

Published: Wednesday, 7. September, 2011 in category Southern Hemisphere

World Cup organizers have confirmed Romanian wing Catalin Fercu has withdrawn from the tournament, saying he has been diagnosed with pneumonia.

The Romanians arrived in Invercargill earlier this week without the veteran wing, with initial reports suggesting his absence was due to a fear of flying and domestic media quoting squad captain Marius Tincu as saying the late decision was "stupid."

RWC organizers announced that Fercu had been replaced by Adrian Marian Apostol.

Romania, the last team to qualify, plays its opening World Cup match against Scotland at Invercargill on Saturday.

SAPA-AP