The
years 2021 and 2022 are very important for the qualification of the European
fifteens for the World Cup 2023. The teams from the Six Nations Tournament are
already qualified and only the sides for Rugby Europe Championship, including
Romania, will by vying for a place in the aforementioned competition.
So,
the 2021, 2022 editions will offer two qualifying places for the best two sides
whereas the third side will be playing in the play-offs. According to lots cast
in December in Paris, the side on the first place will join group C together
with Wales, Australia, Fiji and the winner of the play-offs. The team on the
second place will be playing South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and the first side
in the Asia/Pacific zone in group B.
According
to Rugby Europe, the 2021 edition kicks off in March, with some games scheduled
for the competition break in July. The weekend on 6th-7th
February will be seeing the last leg of the 2020 edition when Georgia will be
up against Russia, Spain will be playing Portugal and Romania, on their own
turf, takes on Belgium. Romania’s play will takes place on the Ion Oblemenco
stadium in Craiova without spectators.
Presently
in Rugby Europe Championship, Belgium and Romania are ranking last each with a
win and three defeats so we expect our players to put up a good show to avoid
the last position in the standings. According to Rugby Europe, the last side in
the ranking will be playing the first side in Rugby Europe Trophy, the third
competition in Europe. In 2020 the Netherlands was the first side in that
competition. The play-off is due over February 20th and 21st.
For
the match against Belgium, the coach of the Romanian side, the English Andrew
Robinson has summoned an extended line-up of 41 players; some of these are
presently playing for sides in France and Italy.
(bill)