The Romanian rugby team scored new fans during a visit to St Francis Xavier Primary School yesterday, where pupils promised to cheer on the Oaks when they run out to play England.
A group of Romanian rugby players visited schools at Concord and St Leonards yesterday morning, while six of the squad received a warm welcome at St Francis Xavier before a trip to Kings High School.
Named as captain in his 85th test cap tomorrow, lock Petre Cristian towered over the pint-sized primary pupils as he thanked them for their "extraordinary, friendly and welcoming reception".
Cristian was accompanied by his locking partner Cosmin Ratiu, flanker Daniel Ianus, flanker-cum-fullback Iulian Dumitras, team trainer Daniel Mitrea, and translator George Nastase.
Francis Xavier Pupil Andrew Wilson (9) put the Romanian captain on the spot when he wanted to know whether the Oaks would beat the English.
"It will be a hard game. Nobody knows, but we will do our best and see," Cristian said through Mr Nastase.
Rugby was the third most popular sport in Romania, behind football and handball. Many of the team played for overseas clubs, and pork was the favourite food dish among his countrymen, the player said in reply to questions from school pupils.
Connor Campbell (7) had his hand up to ask what the atmosphere was like for the Romanian rugby players at the World Cup.
"It is a great feeling of excitement to participate in such an event. Being professional rugby players, we want to play at the highest level. It is a dream to [come] here and play," Cristian said.
