The World Cup Centurions: Romania

The 2023 Rugby World Cup is only a few days away.

And while there is plenty of young and hungry talent going into this years edition looking to prove themselves and create their own legacies, we at Ultimate Rugby have decided to honour the veterans of the this years competition who go into the tournament boasting 100 international test rugby appearances. 

Much like Ireland, Romania will head into this world cup a centurion short, after the heartbreaking loss of captain and centurion, Mihai Macovei.

Macovei had been hoping to make it to his third World Cup, especially as he plays his club rugby in France with Arcachon in the Bay of Biscay, just half an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, where Romania will face Ireland and South Africa.

Florin Surugiu

However, centurion Florin Surugiu (born 10 December 1984 in Bucharest, Romania) will lead the squad with his expertise and experience. 

Surugiu plays in the scrum-half position for amateur SuperLiga club CSM București and București based European Challenge Cup side the Wolves.

Surugiu also plays for Romania's national team the Oaks.Surugiu made his international debut in 2008 as a substitute against Uruguay.

He played for Romania in the IRB Nations Cup and in their 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying before appearing for them in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

He played three Tests at the World Cup, one as a substitute against Scotland and two in the scrum-half position against Argentina and Georgia.