For the next couple of weeks, Rugby Europe will be interviewing some of the rising stars of the teams competing in the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship U18 and U2, to figure out their goals, playing style and much more.
Romania’s Gabriel Plăcintă shared his team’s goals for the U20s REC.
Gabriel, what can you tell us about your team? What are the goals for the 2024 Men’s Rugby Europe Championship U20?
We had a month full of intense training both in the mountains and at lower altitudes, raising our level of condition. At the same time, it helped us grow as a team. This experience gave us confidence that we could pull a nice surprise. Our objective is to win the European Championship, we know it will be tough, but we are going there to play for that chance and give our best in every game. Impossible is nothing, if you believe in it. At the same time, we wish to show that Romanian rugby has a future and hope.
What can you tell us about you?
I am 19 years old, 1,90m and 90 kilos. I am playing second row as well as flanker or no. 8. My rugby journey started just two years ago when I got transferred to the LPS Suceava, a sports-profile high school in Suceava, to join their rugby team. In the first year with LPS Suceava I had the opportunity to play for the bronze medal at U18, finishing in the 4th place, and the next year we won the U20 National Championship. This title brought me a few offers from the biggest seniors’ teams in the country, so I decided to join CSA Steaua last July. I am working hard, trying to win my place in the team, hoping that someday I'll be an Oak!
Do you have any individual objectives that you would like to achieve in the competition?
I don’t want to have any regrets when I leave the field. I want to make the best decisions in moments of pressure; to be there for the team and my teammates; and to enjoy the game.
Can you define your team in three words?
Desire, Sacrifice and Family. We are a young team willing to make any sacrifice to achieve our goals, but we need to do it as a team.
What message would you like to share with your team’s fans?
Support us until the end, no matter the result, because we play with all our hearts to make you all proud of us. I want to thank the fans because their presence in the stands gives us incredible strength, they are truly the 16th player on the pitch.
Romania’s new generations are packed with talent, so here are three other players to follow closely:
Sebastian Tofan (U18 / centre): one of the very best Romanian players in last year’s Men’s Rugby Europe Championship U18, Sebastian Tofan is that kind of centre that can slice up defenses with ease. Possesses a super skillset, with a natural gift to offload the ball at the right moment.
Rareş Juganaru (U18 / prop): a heavyweight scrummager, Rareş Juganaru has all the fundamentals to become a standout player for his country. He has a gift when it comes to tackling.
Alexandru Neagu (U20 / utility back): a speedster on roller skates, Alexandru Neagu will be a problem for any defense who takes him lightly. The utility back has impressed in the Romanian club scene, and he is ready to showcase his talents in the U20s Championship.
By Francisco Isaac
