The Men’s Rugby Europe Championship 2026 is just a week shy from starting, and to get us in the mood, we invited a few players from each of the eight contestants to share their views, opinions and emotions about their team and country.
For today’s menu, we have the enticing and exciting scrum half, Alin Conache, and the experienced and juggernaut, Alexandru Savin, to talk to us about Romania.
Alexandru and Alin, thank you for the chance to talk about one of rugby’s most historic sides, the Stejarii. So, with that in mind, explain to us why the Stejarii are such a big deal for you both?
Alexandru Savin. “The Stejarii are part of Romania’s history at all levels. When I was young, I looked up to players like Marius Tincu and understood their sacrifice, example and commitment. And, like them, I want to represent my country with the same grace and pride.”
Alin Conache. “It means a lot to me. It means everything. It means I get the chance to represent my family, my community and my country. It is the highest honour that I could achieve in my life.”
It seems the Stejarii are key part of your lives, so do you remember your first game not as players, but as fans?
AC. “I was with my father and went to watch Romania face Germany in Iasi, the stadium where we are going to meet Belgium in the first round! We won by a good margin, and I was amazed by the team's sheer quality. It is a memory that I hold dear."
AS. “I don’t know the year precisely, but I was like 17, and we went to the previous version of the Arcul to watch the seniors play. It was a special day as we got to be side-by-side with some of the most legendary Stejarii of all time.”
Alexandru, you mentioned the Arcul de Triumf. Can you explain why it is such a mythical stadium? Is that big of an arena?
AS. “The Arcul by itself is already big, now imagine it when it's packed with our supporters! The atmosphere is insane, and it gives me the energy to keep going even when my body is saying, ‘I’m tired, please stop. But when they start chanting, I can’t, and I won’t ever stop. Best stadium in the World.”
AC. “Arcul de Triumf, it’s our home. Every single young Romanian player dreams of playing there, as it is a spectacular stadium, full of stories and history. It is the epicentre of Romanian rugby. I remember my first game in the new Arcul going as a fan, as it was against Argentina, the mighty Pumas. We played with so much passion in that game.”
Let’s go down memory lane. Do any of you remember your first game as members of the Stejarii?
AC. “You never forget your first, and mine was in 2023 against Poland. I remember I was eager to come in, waiting and waiting for the coach to say, ‘Alin, you are going in next’, and finally at the 65th minute I had my chance to debut for my country. I wasn’t that nervous as I just wanted to become a Stejarii.”
AS. “2018! I remember it like it was yesterday, as we played against the United States of America in the Arcul. I came in for Ionel Badiu and felt so many emotions, as it meant everything to me at the time. I still feel goosebumps thinking about it.”
And the game you enjoyed playing the most?
AC. “For me it happened in 2024, when we toured North America, we defeated the United States of America for the first time. It was a memorable game as it was our first win over them on their own turf. It was proof of life that the Stejarii are well and alive.”
AS. “Argentina was the game that I enjoyed the most. It was the opening game for the new Arcul de Triumf, and we came so close to beating the Pumas in that match. We pushed ourselves to the limit and showed what the Stejarii could do on a good day.”
What about Romania’s rival and nemesis? Whose it?
AS. “Georgia is our most historical rival. Our clashes are legendary, as it is a game of pure physicality against pure physicality. Next is Spain! We like to compete against them.”
AC. “Currently, I would say Portugal, but historically, as Alexandru said, it is Georgia. I like to play more against the Lobos because there’s more space and it is a more technical game.”
As for opposition players that you enjoy playing against the most, can you name two?
AC. “Can I say three? The Lelos Vasil Lobzhanidze, who’s a legend of our sport; then Portugal’s Samuel Marques, who is a tenacious and great player. Finally, Spain’s Tani Bay, who has the style that I enjoy the most. Yes, all of them are scrum-halves!”
AS. “Spain’s Jon Zabala, for a first, as he plays in the Top 14 and is one of the best scrummagers of our Rugby Europe universe. And, in second place, Beka Gigashvili. We have fun going against each other. Top player as well.”
AS. “All of my teammates are my best mates! But if I had to pick one, I would say Daniel Plai, as we have been playing together for a long time.”
AC. “I am like Alexandru, as I am good friends with everyone, but maybe Paul Mihai Graure, as we’ve been roommates a few times over the course of the last three years.”
Do you guys play any games when in camp?
AC. “We play more than a few games, but the one that we play the most is Şeptica! You have four cards, and some give you points, while others can block your play. Like an Ace is a point, while the card numbers 7 and 8 can block you.”
As we are back talking about the Stejarii, who are some of the idols you had while growing up?
AS. “Andrei Rădoi and Marius Tincu, for example, are mine. Great props and servants.”
AC. “The first one that jumps to my mind is Florin Vlaicu, whom I loved watching when I was young. My first role models were my brothers. Cătălin Fercu and Valentin Calafeteanu are some of my other favourite players.”
Now, a bit of trivia. Favourite dish or dessert?
AS. “Oh, if you are coming here to watch us play in the Arcul, then please get papanași. You can Google it and check how good it looks, but it tastes even better. To not overcomplicate it, it is a type of doughnut but made from fresh cheese dough served with sour cream and jam.”
AC. “Well, as Alexandru has jumped for the dessert, I’ll tell you my favourite main dish: sarmale. It is cabbage leaves stuffed with pork and rice. No sauce needed. My mother makes the best ones.”
Alexandru, can you tell fans a good spot to enjoy a beverage and watch a rugby game?
AS. “The Old City is the best part of the city to watch a good rugby game and enjoy whatever you like with beer. Fabrica is my favourite, even if it is not in the city centre. It is a cool place, so be sure to check it out.”
And, Alin, what can a travelling fan do when they are in Romania to watch you guys play?
AC. “The mountains. I love hiking and exploring nature, and the Romanian mountainside is the best place to go to enjoy all of that.”
Now, concerning the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship. What do you both think about it?
AC. “For me, it is an amazing competition. You play 5 games like in the 6 Nations, and I think that there has been an overall growth from all teams, which is what we want as a community.”
AS. “The Men’s Rugby Europe Championship is an awesome competition. Look to Georgia, Portugal and Spain, and their potential and power. The format allows for teams to test their limits, which is key for our development.”
Now, that our time has run off, can you just explain to our fans what Romania, the country, means to you both?
AS. “One word, four letters: home. Romania is where I was born and raised, and this country gave me the chance to change my life, as my family had few resources. It is a country packed with opportunities, especially in our rugby community. Again, it changed my life.”
AC. “I was born and raised here. Romania is everything I know, and it is enough, as like Alexandru said, it is a land of opportunities.”
By Francisco Isaac
