Romania secured a 31-21 victory over Canada in men’s international rugby action, with scrum half Alin Conache contributing 16 points through successful kicks. The defeat suffered by Canada at Stadionul Arcul de Triumf is anticipated to result in a drop of at least one ranking position for the team, which is currently ranked 24th globally.
Next on Canada’s agenda is a match against 11th-ranked Georgia in Batumi, followed by a clash with Portugal, ranked 20th, in Coimbra on November 22. Romania, ranked 21st, saw tries scored by Ovidiu Cojocaru, Cristi Chirică, and Tevita Manumua, with Conache adding four penalties and two conversions to their tally.
Canada’s scoring efforts came from Mason Flesch, Piers Von Dadelszen, and Barnaby Waddell, with Peter Nelson contributing three conversions. Despite a valiant effort, Canada’s two players were sin-binned in the second half. The match witnessed Waddell, who plays for Bridgend Ravens in Wales, scoring a crucial try in the dying moments of the game.
Romania’s victory improved their head-to-head record against Canada to 8-3-0. The Oaks have dominated recent encounters, winning eight of the last nine matches, with Canada’s sole victory in this period being a 35-22 triumph at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa in July 2024. This win added to Canada’s previous successes at the 1991 and 1995 World Cups.
Canada faced an early setback in the game and struggled to recover, allowing Romania to take the lead through Conache’s accurate penalties. Despite a spirited fightback, Canada failed to overturn the deficit, ultimately succumbing to Romania’s strong performance. The match also marked the conclusion of Romania’s Cojocaru’s international career, as the team bid farewell to their esteemed captain and hooker.
Both teams displayed sportsmanship and respect for Remembrance Day, with Canada donning special jerseys adorned with poppies on their sleeves as a tribute. Canada’s challenging 2025 campaign continued with this defeat, as they fell to a 1-6-0 record for the year. Romania, on the other hand, showcased their resilience and skill in this encounter, building on their recent matches in South America.
The match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams but also honored the collaboration between Romania and Canada, as exemplified by the Cernavodă Cup. This prestigious event, initiated in partnership with the Canadian Embassy in Romania, celebrates the strong bond between the two nations in the nuclear energy sector.