Romania: Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027
Rugby heads to Australia in 2027, and one of the tournament’s most historic names returns. Romania, the Oaks, are back at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 after missing the last edition, drawn into a demanding Pool B. Here is your complete guide.
1. Romania’s Rugby World Cup history
Romania were a fixture at the World Cup from 1987, appearing at seven of the first eight tournaments and building a reputation as one of Europe’s toughest emerging nations.
Their return to the biggest stage — after missing out on 2023 — is a significant moment for a proud rugby country working hard to rebuild.
2. Romania’s Pool B fixtures: who, where and when
Here is where and when Romania play, with all kick-off times in local Australian time:
● Romania v Georgia — North Queensland Stadium, Townsville | Gurambilbarra — Sunday, 3 October, 2027 — kick-off 20:15 local
● Romania v Italy — Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney | Gadigal — Monday, 11 October, 2027 — kick-off 19:45 local
● Romania v South Africa — Perth Stadium, Perth | Boorloo — Sunday, 17 October, 2027 — kick-off 19:15 local
Romania open against neighbours and great rivals Georgia in Townsville | Gurambilbarra, before facing Italy in Sydney | Gadigal. They close against world champions South Africa in Perth | Boorloo — a chance to test themselves against the very best.
3. Players to watch
Back-row Cristi Boboc captains the side and leads by example. Up front, powerful prop Gheorghe Gajion — nicknamed “The Beast from the East” — is central to a Romanian scrum that remains their traditional strength.
Loose-head prop Alexandru Savin completes a front row built for the trenches, the foundation on which Romania hope to build.
4. Current form: where Romania stand
Head coach David Gérard, a former Toulouse second-row, has been honest about the size of the task. Romania finished fourth at the 2026 Rugby Europe Championship after a shock defeat to Germany.
They picked up their first win of the summer’s Nations Cup and will use the new global calendar to build towards Australia. Every Test now is precious preparation.
5. Back the tournament with Gilbert
Gilbert designed the official match ball for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, and the Rugby World Cup 2027 Replica Ball brings that same iconic design to your back garden, your club, or the trophy shelf. Explore the full Rugby World Cup collection, and keep an eye out — our Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 range is growing, with more tournament and nation product landing through the season.
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More from the Gilbert news hub: Want the story behind the ball every side will play with in Australia? Read Everything You Need to Know: The RWC 2027 Ball, and follow the news hub as we profile all 24 nations heading to Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
