View source for Romanian Wolves

{{Short description|Romanian rugby union club, based in Bucharest}}
{{Infobox rugby team
| teamname    = Romanian Wolves
| nickname    = Lupii (The Wolves)
| image       = Romanian Wolves 2022 Logo.png
| image_size  = 200px
| fullname    = Romanian Wolves
| location    = [[Romania]]
| founded     = {{Start date and age|2004|6|9}}<br/>as ''Selecționata București''
| ground      = [[Arcul de Triumf Stadium (2021)|Arcul de Triumf Stadium ]]
| capacity    = 8,207
| coach       = [[David Gérard]]
| captain     = [[Ovidiu Cojocaru]]
| appearances = [[Florin Vlaicu]] (57)
| top scorer  = [[Florin Vlaicu]] (314)
| most tries  = [[Cătălin Fercu]] (8)
| league      = [[Rugby Europe Super Cup]]
| season      = [[2024 Rugby Europe Super Cup|2024]]
| position    = 4th
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| body1       = 0B0B45
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The '''Romanian Wolves''' ([[Romanian language|Romanian]]: ''Lupii Români'') is a professional [[Rugby union in Romania|Romanian rugby union]] team that competes annually in the [[Rugby Europe Super Cup]].

==History==

===2004-2008: Initial Stages - Test Team for the National Squad===

At the end of the 2003-2004 season, both champions [[CS Dinamo București (rugby union)|Dinamo Bucharest]] and runners-up [[CSA Steaua București (rugby union)|Steaua Bucharest]] declined the opportunity to take part in European competitions next season, mainly for financial reasons.<ref name=NoDinam&Stea>{{cite web |title=S-a decis: nici Dinamo si nici Steaua nu merg in Cupele Europene |url=https://www.rugby.ro/s-a-decis-nici-dinamo-si-nici-steaua-nu-merg-in-cupele-europene-7150.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro  |date=June 9, 2004 |access-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029233241/https://www.rugby.ro/s-a-decis-nici-dinamo-si-nici-steaua-nu-merg-in-cupele-europene-7150.html|archive-date=October 29, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> With this in mind, the [[Romanian Rugby Federation]] decided to patch things up and create a new representative team based in [[Bucharest]] named  "Selecționata București" (which could be translated as "Bucharest Representative Team") or simply "București" (translated as "Bucharest") in order to be more competitive on the international stage. Essentially, the idea was to create a team that would bring together the most valuable rugby players from the domestic championship and test them, give them a chance to prove they could be part of the senior national rugby team,<ref>{{cite web |title=Participarile Selectionatei Bucurestiului in Amlin Challenge Cup |url=https://rugbyromania.ro/participarile-selectionatei-bucurestiului-in-amlin-challenge-cup/ |publisher=www.rugbyromania.ro |date=October 11, 2012 |access-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029231126/https://rugbyromania.ro/participarile-selectionatei-bucurestiului-in-amlin-challenge-cup/ |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as providing some international experience for the up and coming local players. For this reason, the team was also known as "Romania A", a label that was fairly used in the Romanian sports media during the early years of the team's existence.<ref name=ar_RomA>{{cite web |title="Am avut ocazia sa inscriem acele 3 puncte care ne puteau califica", spune Virgil Nastase, antrenorul Romaniei A |url=https://www.rugby.ro/am-avut-ocazia-sa-inscriem-acele-3-puncte-care-ne-puteau-califica-spune-virgil-nastase-antrenorul-romaniei-a-7918.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=December 13, 2004 |access-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107202202/https://www.rugby.ro/am-avut-ocazia-sa-inscriem-acele-3-puncte-care-ne-puteau-califica-spune-virgil-nastase-antrenorul-romaniei-a-7918.html |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|This reference<ref name=ar_RomA></ref> is an example of an online article where the label "Romania A" was used''}} The [[2004–05 European Shield|2004-2005 season]] marked the Bucharest Representative Team's debut in [[Rugby Europe|Europe]], albeit not in the [[EPCR Challenge Cup|European Challenge Cup]], which they were eligible for after [[CS Dinamo București (rugby union)|Dinamo Bucharest]] withdrew, but rather in the [[European Shield]].<ref name=NoDinam&Stea></ref>{{efn|The primary objective was to secure more time for the team's preparation and cohesion. This was primarily because the European Shield commenced in December–January, whereas the Challenge Cup had an earlier start in October. Moreover, it served as an opportunity to assess and prepare players who could potentially strengthen the national team for the ongoing European Nations Cup.}} They played [[Rugby Leonessa 1928|Leonessa Rugby]] from [[Italy]] in the opening round. On December 5, 2004, the Bucharest Representative Team played their debut match at the [[Stadionul Steaua (1974)|Steaua stadium]] in [[Ghencea]] and emerged victorious with a score of 18-15.<ref>{{cite web |title=Romania A - Leonessa 18-15 |url=https://www.rugby.ro/romania-a-leonessa-18-15-7886.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=December 5, 2004 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112225353/https://www.rugby.ro/romania-a-leonessa-18-15-7886.html |archive-date=November 12, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> Even with [[Valentin Ursache]]'s red card elimination, the Romanians managed to achieve victory with points scored by [[Ion Teodorescu]]'s try, [[Iulian Andrei]]'s two penalties, and a transformation from a penalty try granted at the beginning of the second half. However, in the return match, Romania A lost with a score of 32-21,<ref>{{cite web |title=Leonessa - Romania A 32-21 |url=https://www.rugby.ro/leonessa-romania-a-32-21-7914.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=December 10, 2004 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114121329/https://www.rugby.ro/leonessa-romania-a-32-21-7914.html |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> resulting in their failure to qualify for the next round. Despite [[Alexandru Lacatus|Lacatus]] and [[Ion Teodorescu|Teodorescu]]'s two attempts, the team paid tribute to indiscipline, yellow cards being given to [[Alexandru Lacatus]], [[Cornel Tatu]], and [[Florin Poenaru]].

From the [[2005–06 European Challenge Cup|2005-06 season]] onwards, the Bucharest Representative Team took part in the [[EPCR Challenge Cup|Amlin Challenge Cup]]. In this particular edition, the Romanian side was placed in a group alongside [[Gloucester Rugby|Gloucester]], [[Aviron Bayonnais|Bayonne]], and [[RC Toulon|Toulon]]. Despite facing five defeats, they experienced a notable triumph at [[Stade Mayol|Stade Félix Mayol]] against [[RC Toulon|Toulon]], securing a 23-17 victory.<ref>{{cite web |title=Selectionata Bucurestiului a invins la Toulon cu 23-17! |url=https://www.rugby.ro/selectionata-bucurestiului-a-invins-la-toulon-cu-23-17-9518.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=January 21, 2006 |access-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113003150/https://www.rugby.ro/selectionata-bucurestiului-a-invins-la-toulon-cu-23-17-9518.html |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> Players like [[Cătălin Fercu|Fercu]], [[Cosmin Rațiu|Ratiu]], and [[Cătălin Fercu|Fercu]] once again, successfully scored three tries, with the last one being the decisive moment just three minutes before the game concluded.

In the [[2006–07 European Challenge Cup|2006-07 season]], the Romanians had a commendable performance in their group matches against [[Dragons RFC|Newport Dragons]], [[Bristol Bears|Bristol]], and [[Aviron Bayonnais|Bayonne]]. They achieved a notable victory against [[Aviron Bayonnais|Bayonne]] in [[Bucharest]] with a final score of 32-27,<ref>{{cite web |title=Selectionata Bucurestiului a castigat cu 32-17 (12-17) in meciul cu Bayonne |url=https://www.rugby.ro/selectionata-bucurestiului-a-castigat-cu-32-27-12-17-in-meciul-cu-bayonne-10870.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=October 28, 2006 |access-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113094633/https://www.rugby.ro/selectionata-bucurestiului-a-castigat-cu-32-27-12-17-in-meciul-cu-bayonne-10870.html |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> despite being behind 12-17 at halftime. [[Robert Cătălin Dascălu|Catalin Dascalu]], [[Costica Mersoiu]], and [[Catalin Fercu]] each scored a try, with [[Cătălin Fercu|Fercu]]'s last one proving to be decisive. However, they faced defeats against [[Dragons RFC|Newport]] with scores of 29-39 <ref>{{cite web |title=Bucuresti - Newport 29-39 (10-24) |url=https://www.rugby.ro/bucuresti-newport29-39-10-24-11155.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=December 16, 2006 |access-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113095129/https://www.rugby.ro/bucuresti-newport29-39-10-24-11155.html |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> and 10-66,<ref>{{cite web |title=Newport - Selectionata Bucurestiului 66-10 - Scor final |url=https://www.rugby.ro/newport-selectionata-bucurestiului-66-10-scor-final-11115.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=December 8, 2006 |access-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113095502/https://www.rugby.ro/newport-selectionata-bucurestiului-66-10-scor-final-11115.html |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> and against [[Bristol Bears|Bristol]] with scores of 3-27 <ref>{{cite web |title=Selectionata Bucurestiului - Bristol 3-27 : I-am dominat pe englezi cu inaintarea |url=https://www.rugby.ro/selectionata-bucurestiului-bristol-3-27-i-am-dominat-pe-englezi-cu-inaintarea-10831.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=October 21, 2006 |access-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113095849/https://www.rugby.ro/selectionata-bucurestiului-bristol-3-27-i-am-dominat-pe-englezi-cu-inaintarea-10831.html |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> and 19-33.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bristol - Bucuresti - 33-19 - Scor final |url=https://www.rugby.ro/bristol-bucuresti-33-19-scor-final-11258.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=January 19, 2007 |access-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113102052/https://www.rugby.ro/bristol-bucuresti-33-19-scor-final-11258.html |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the match against [[Aviron Bayonnais|Bayonne]], the Bucharest Representative Team fought hard but ultimately conceded with a score of 38-31,<ref>{{cite web |title=Bayonne – Bucuresti 38-31 scor final. Bucurestiul a luat 2 puncte bonus! |url=https://www.rugby.ro/bayonne-bucuresti-38-31-scor-final-bucurestiul-a-luat-2-puncte-bonus-11224.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=January 12, 2007 |access-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113103637/https://www.rugby.ro/bayonne-bucuresti-38-31-scor-final-bucurestiul-a-luat-2-puncte-bonus-11224.html |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> although [[Cătălin Fercu|Fercu]] managed to score three tries.

During the [[2007–08 European Challenge Cup|2007-2008 season]], ''Selectionata Bucuresti'' had their most successful participation on record. They achieved two victories and a draw in a group that included [[Worcester Warriors|Worcester]], [[Gran Ducato Parma Rugby|Gran Parma]], and [[US Montauban|Montauban]]. In [[Italy]], they had a thrilling 23-23 draw <ref>{{cite web |title=Meciul de sambata, Parma – Bucuresti 23-23, al doilea egal in cupele europene pentru romani |url=https://www.rugby.ro/meciul-de-sambata-parma-bucuresti-23-23-al-doilea-egal-in-cupele-europene-pentru-romani-12802.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=November 19, 2007 |access-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113132214/https://www.rugby.ro/meciul-de-sambata-parma-bucuresti-23-23-al-doilea-egal-in-cupele-europene-pentru-romani-12802.html |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> against [[Gran Ducato Parma Rugby|Gran Parma]], with [[Stelian Burcea]], [[Costica Mersoiu]], and [[Vasile Rus]] scoring successful attempts. In the rematch, they narrowly won 21-20,<ref>{{cite web |title=Bucuresti a invins Parma in Challenge Cup cu 21-20, dupa 14-3 la pauza |url=https://www.rugby.ro/bucuresti-a-invins-parma-in-challenge-cup-cu-21-20-dupa-14-3-la-pauza-12995.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=January 13, 2008 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114124729/https://www.rugby.ro/bucuresti-a-invins-parma-in-challenge-cup-cu-21-20-dupa-14-3-la-pauza-12995.html |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> with [[Gheorghita Bigiu]] and [[Ionut Dimofte]] each managing a try, and [[Florin Vlaicu]] contributing a conversion and three penalty kicks. Their second victory came against the French team [[US Montauban|Montauban]], with a final score of 19-17.<ref>{{cite web |title=Superba victorie a Bucurestiului: 19-17 cu Montauban, echipa de pe locul 5 din Franta! |url=https://www.rugby.ro/superba-victorie-a-bucurestiului-19-17-cu-montauban-echipa-de-pe-locul-5-din-franta-12892.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=December 8, 2007 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114125536/https://www.rugby.ro/superba-victorie-a-bucurestiului-19-17-cu-montauban-echipa-de-pe-locul-5-din-franta-12892.html |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ionuț Dimofte|Dimofte]] scored a try, which was converted by [[Florin Vlaicu|Vlaicu]], who also added points from four penalty kicks. It is worth noting that the Romanian international [[Bogdan Balan]] played for the opposing team.

===2008-2011: Taking on a Familiar Image - Adopting the Oak Leaf===

Starting from the [[2008–09 European Challenge Cup|2008-2009 season]], the Bucharest Representative Team underwent a transformation and became known as the Bucharest Oaks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stejarii Bucuresti joaca acasa primele 3 meciuri din Challenge Cup |url=https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-bucuresti-joaca-acasa-primele-3-meciuri-din-challenge-cup-13696.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=July 28, 2008 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114131126/https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-bucuresti-joaca-acasa-primele-3-meciuri-din-challenge-cup-13696.html |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> Competing alongside [[CS Bourgoin-Jallieu|Bourgoin]], [[Worcester Warriors|Worcester]], and [[Petrarca Rugby|Petrarca Padova]], their performance was rather lackluster, with only one victory achieved during an away match against [[Petrarca Rugby|Padova]]. During the home game, we unfortunately succumbed to the Italians with a score of 14-20,<ref>{{cite web |title=Stejarii Bucuresti au pierdut cu Petrarca Padova: 14-20 |url=https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-bucuresti-au-pierdut-cu-petrarca-padova-14-20-14106.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=December 7, 2008 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114134255/https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-bucuresti-au-pierdut-cu-petrarca-padova-14-20-14106.html |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> as they managed to secure one try and [[Ludovic Mercier]] successfully converted five penalties. However, in a thrilling match held in [[Italy]], [[Florin Vlaicu]] emerged as the hero by securing the winning points through a penalty kick in the 74th minute, leading the Oaks to a triumphant 17-15 victory.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stejarii Bucuresti au castigat la Padova: 17-15 cu Petrarca, in etapa a IV-a a Challenge Cup |url=https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-bucuresti-au-castigat-la-padova-17-15-cu-petrarca-in-etapa-a-iv-a-a-challenge-cup-14121.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=December 13, 2008 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114134622/https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-bucuresti-au-castigat-la-padova-17-15-cu-petrarca-in-etapa-a-iv-a-a-challenge-cup-14121.html |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[2009–10 European Challenge Cup|2009-10 edition]], Bucharest Oaks secured just one victory. They emerged triumphant against [[Crociati Parma Rugby FC|Overmach Parma]] with a score of 21-9.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stejarii Bucuresti au invins Parma in Chalenge Cup: 21-9 |url=https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-bucuresti-au-invins-parma-in-chalenge-cup-21-9-14750.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=October 11, 2009 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114135412/https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-bucuresti-au-invins-parma-in-chalenge-cup-21-9-14750.html |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> The points were scored by [[Csaba Gal]] and [[Cosmin Ratiu]] through tries, [[Florin Vlaicu]] with a conversion and two penalties, and [[Ionut Dimofte]] with a drop goal. The Oaks also put up a commendable performance against the French team [[CS Bourgoin-Jallieu|Bourgoin]], narrowly losing with a score of 19-21 at the end of the game,<ref>{{cite web |title=Stejarii Bucuresti au ratat victoria in ultima secunda in fata lui Bourgoin: 19-21 |url=https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-bucuresti-au-ratat-victoria-in-ultima-secunda-in-fata-lui-bourgoin-19-21-14761.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=October 17, 2009 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114140115/https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-bucuresti-au-ratat-victoria-in-ultima-secunda-in-fata-lui-bourgoin-19-21-14761.html |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> after being tied 13-13 at halftime. A similar scenario unfolded in their match against [[Leeds Tykes|Leeds]] at home, where they were leading 6-3 until the 70th minute but eventually lost with a score of 6-10.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stejarii Bucuresti au ratat sansa de a fi pe locul 1 in grupa din Challenge Cup: 6-10 cu Leeds |url=https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-bucuresti-au-ratat-sansa-de-a-fi-pe-locul-1-in-grupa-din-challenge-cup-6-10-cu-leeds-14858.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=December 12, 2009 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114140811/https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-bucuresti-au-ratat-sansa-de-a-fi-pe-locul-1-in-grupa-din-challenge-cup-6-10-cu-leeds-14858.html |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, they experienced losses against [[CS Bourgoin-Jallieu|Bourgoin]] resulting in a score of 15-33,<ref>{{cite web |title=Stejarii Bucuresti, a 4-a infrangere in Challenge Cup: 15-33 cu Bourgoin |url=https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-bucuresti-a-4-a-infrangere-in-challenge-cup-15-33-cu-bourgoin-14882.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=January 15, 2010 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114141938/https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-bucuresti-a-4-a-infrangere-in-challenge-cup-15-33-cu-bourgoin-14882.html |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Crociati Parma Rugby FC|Parma]] resulting in a score of 9-16 <ref>{{cite web |title=Stejarii au pierdut si ultimul meci din Challenge Cup: 9-16 in deplasare la Parma |url=https://www.rugby.ro/update-stejarii-au-pierdut-si-ultimul-meci-din-challenge-cup-9-16-in-deplasare-la-parma-14900.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=January 23, 2010 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114142418/https://www.rugby.ro/update-stejarii-au-pierdut-si-ultimul-meci-din-challenge-cup-9-16-in-deplasare-la-parma-14900.html |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> and a significant defeat against [[Leeds Tykes|Leeds]] with a score 0-47.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stejarii au pierdut fara sa marcheze macar un punct la Leeds: 0-47 |url=https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-au-pierdut-fara-sa-marcheze-macar-un-punct-la-leeds-0-47-14865.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=December 20, 2009 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114141339/https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-au-pierdut-fara-sa-marcheze-macar-un-punct-la-leeds-0-47-14865.html |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

During the [[2010–11 European Challenge Cup|2010–11 season]], they once again achieved the single victory feat in the pool stage of the [[EPCR Challenge Cup|Amlin Challenge Cup]] and also showcased an impressive performance at home against the esteemed French team, [[Stade Français Paris|Stade Francais]]. Bucharest Oaks secured a narrow 20-19 win <ref>{{cite web |title=Cu eseu in ultimul minut: Stejarii au invins Crociati, 20-19 |url=https://www.rugby.ro/cu-eseu-in-ultimul-minut-stejarii-au-invins-crociati-20-19-15269.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=October 16, 2010 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114150743/https://www.rugby.ro/cu-eseu-in-ultimul-minut-stejarii-au-invins-crociati-20-19-15269.html |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> versus [[Crociati Parma Rugby FC|Crociati]], with a try scored by [[Catalin Nicolae]] and five penalties successfully executed by [[Danut Dumbrava]]. Despite scoring two tries through [[Madalin Lemnaru]] and [[Stelian Burcea]] in the match against [[Stade Français Paris|Stade Francais]], they ultimately had to accept defeat with a score of 20-29.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stejarii Bucuresti - Stade Francais 20-29. Am pierdut bonusul defensiv in ultima secunda  |url=https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-bucuresti-stade-francais-20-29-am-pierdut-bonusul-defensiv-in-ultima-secunda-15368.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=December 11, 2010 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114151219/https://www.rugby.ro/stejarii-bucuresti-stade-francais-20-29-am-pierdut-bonusul-defensiv-in-ultima-secunda-15368.html |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Stade Français Paris|Stade Francais]] boasted a formidable lineup including renowned players like [[Hugo Bonneval]], [[Pascal Papé]], [[Sergio Parisse]], [[Julien Dupuy]], and [[Mathieu Bastareaud]].

===2011-2015: A Renewed Start - Wolves Replaces Oaks as the New Identity===

In the summer of 2011, the [[Romanian Rugby Federation]] announced that they've decided to change the team's name from Bucharest Oaks to Bucharest Wolves in order to avoid confusion with the [[Romania national rugby union team|Romanian national team]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Bucharest Wolves va reprezenta Romania in AMLIN Challenge Cup |url=https://rugbyromania.ro/bucharest-wolves-va-reprezenta-romania-in-amlin-challange-cup/ |publisher=www.rugbyromania.ro |date=June 13, 2011 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114002029/https://rugbyromania.ro/bucharest-wolves-va-reprezenta-romania-in-amlin-challange-cup/ |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> also referred as "The Oaks." In the [[2011–12 European Challenge Cup|2011-2012 edition]] of the [[EPCR Challenge Cup|Amlin Challenge Cup]], the Bucharest Wolves were placed in a group with [[Stade Français Paris|Stade Francais]], [[Worcester Warriors|Worcester]], and [[Crociati Parma Rugby FC|Crociati]] and managed to secure two victories against the Italians. At the [[Stadionul Arcul de Triumf (1914)|Arcul de Triumf stadium]], they won 34-7 <ref>{{cite web |title=Wolves start with bonus-point win |url=http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/matchcentre/14991.php |publisher=www.ercrugby.com |date=November 13, 2011 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114125236/http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/matchcentre/14991.php |archive-date=November 14, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and obtained the offensive bonus thanks to [[Adrian Apostol]]'s hat-trick and [[Florin Vlaicu]]'s four successful conversions and two penalty kicks. In the return game, they replicated the same performance with a 26-13 victory,<ref>{{cite web |title=Wolves end on a high |url=http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/matchcentre/16059.php |publisher=www.ercrugby.com |date=January 21, 2012 |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125060542/http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/matchcentre/16059.php |archive-date=January 25, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> this time with [[Adrian Apostol|Apostol]], [[Flavius Dobre]], and [[Florin Surugiu]]'s double ensuring the offensive bonus. It's worth noting their impressive performance against [[Worcester Warriors|Worcester]] in [[Bucharest]], where they led 13-12 until the last quarter of the game, but unfortunately conceded two attempts and lost 13-24.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bucharest Wolves - Worcester Warriors 13-24 |url=https://www.eurosport.com/rugby/european-challenge-cup/2011-2012/live-bucharest-wolves-worcester-warriors_mtc469403/live.shtml |publisher=www.eurosport.com |date=December 11, 2011 |access-date=December 16, 2024 }}</ref>

In the [[2012–13 European Challenge Cup|2012-2013]] edition of the [[EPCR Challenge Cup|Amlin Challenge Cup]], the Bucharest Wolves were placed in a group alongside [[Bath Rugby|Bath]], [[SU Agen Lot-et-Garonne|Agen]], and [[Rugby Calvisano|Calvisano]]. Throughout the tournament, they were able to secure 2 wins out of 6 matches. One notable triumph was their victory against the French team [[SU Agen Lot-et-Garonne|Agen]], which took place in [[Bucharest]] on December 8, 2012. This thrilling game was filled with intense moments, and it was ultimately decided by [[Florin Vlaicu]]'s remarkable penalty kick from 45 meters on the left side, resulting in a final score of 25-22.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bucharest Wolves - Agen 25-22 |url=https://www.eurosport.com/rugby/european-challenge-cup/2012-2013/live-bucharest-wolves-agen_mtc537063/live.shtml |publisher=www.eurosport.com |date=December 8, 2012 |access-date=December 16, 2024 }}</ref>

In the following season, the [[2013–14 European Challenge Cup|2013-2014 Amlin Challenge Cup]], the Romanians who were placed in Pool 3 alongside [[Newcastle Falcons]], [[CA Brive|Brive]] and [[Rugby Calvisano|Calvisano]], delivered a series of determined performances. At home, they faced [[Newcastle Falcons]], leading 12-10 at halftime due to four penalty kicks from [[Valentin Calafeteanu]] but ultimately lost.<ref>{{cite web |title=Newcastle survive Romanian scare |url=http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/matchcentre/24972.php |publisher=www.ercrugby.com |date=October 12, 2013 |access-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113220114/http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/matchcentre/24972.php |archive-date=November 13, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Against [[CA Brive|Brive]], the Wolves led in both legs. In the away match, [[Florin Vlaicu]]’s three penalties secured a halftime lead, but they fell short in the second half.<ref>{{cite web |title=Quick-fire brace sees Brive home |url=http://www.ercrugby.com/matchcentre/26240.php |publisher=www.ercrugby.com |date=December 12, 2013 |access-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140206133119/http://www.ercrugby.com/matchcentre/26240.php |archive-date=February 6, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On their own turf, they were ahead 13-9 until the 57th minute before [[Thomas Laranjeira]]’s precision sealed [[CA Brive|Brive]]'s victory.<ref>{{cite web |title=Laranjeira boot rescues Brive |url=http://www.ercrugby.com/matchcentre/26126.php |publisher=www.ercrugby.com |date=December 7, 2013 |access-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217084805/http://www.ercrugby.com/matchcentre/26126.php |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite valiant efforts, the team struggled to secure victories but these performances underscored the team’s competitive spirit against top European opposition.

The [[2014–15 European Rugby Challenge Cup|2014-2015]] season saw Bucharest Wolves qualifying for the [[European Rugby Challenge Cup]] through the [[Rugby Europe]] play-off. They withstood Italian club and old foes [[Rugby Calvisano|Calvisano]] in a two-legged tie. The Wolves won the first leg 18-13 at home, held at the [[Stadionul Arcul de Triumf (1914)|Stadionul Arcul de Triumf]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Fără rugbyștii lui RCM UVT Timișoara, "Lupii" București înving în manșa I cu Calvisano prin punctele lui Vlaicu |url=https://sporttim.ro/rugby/fara-rugbystii-lui-rcm-uvt-timisoara-%E2%80%9Dlupii%E2%80%9D-bucuresti-inving-in-mansa-i-cu-calvisano-prin-punctele-lui-vlaicu |publisher=www.sporttim.ro |date=September 12, 2014 |access-date=December 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213235948/https://sporttim.ro/rugby/fara-rugbystii-lui-rcm-uvt-timisoara-%E2%80%9Dlupii%E2%80%9D-bucuresti-inving-in-mansa-i-cu-calvisano-prin-punctele-lui-vlaicu |archive-date=December 13, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> and narrowly lost the second leg 13-10 in [[Italy]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Puncte băimărene: "Lupii" București se califică în Italia în prelungiri pentru European Rugby Challenge Cup |url=https://sporttim.ro/rugby/puncte-baimarene-%E2%80%9Dlupii%E2%80%9D-bucuresti-se-califica-in-italia-in-prelungiri-pentru-european-rugby-challenge-cup |publisher=www.sporttim.ro |date=September 28, 2014 |access-date=December 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213235215/https://sporttim.ro/rugby/puncte-baimarene-%E2%80%9Dlupii%E2%80%9D-bucuresti-se-califica-in-italia-in-prelungiri-pentru-european-rugby-challenge-cup |archive-date=December 13, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, their aggregate score of 28-26 secured their place in Pool 3.
In Pool 3, the Wolves faced stiff competition from [[Stade Français]], [[Newport Gwent Dragons]] and [[Newcastle Falcons]]. It proved to be the most challenging european campaign to date and the team finished without a win, placing fourth in the group. Despite this, there were moments of resilience and strong individual performances. Notably, they pushed [[Stade Français]] to a close 13-9 defeat in [[Bucharest]], with [[Florin Vlaicu]] contributing vital penalties.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stade Francais survive scare in Romania |url=http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/29369.php |publisher=www.epcrugby.com |date=October 25, 2014 |access-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924001857/http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/29369.php |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> While outmatched in other fixtures, the Wolves demonstrated tenaciousness against high-caliber opponents.

===2015: Transition from Bucharest Wolves to Domestic Club Representation ===

After the [[2014–15 European Rugby Challenge Cup|2014-2015]] season, Bucharest Wolves ceased competing due to organizational changes in Romanian rugby. The decision was made by the [[Romanian Rugby Federation]] to replace the Wolves with the winner of Romania's domestic professional league, [[Liga de Rugby Kaufland|Liga Națională de Rugby]], starting with the [[2015–16 European Rugby Challenge Cup|2015-2016]] season.<ref name=2015decision>{{cite web |title=RUGBY-UL ROMÂNESC / ANALIZĂ: Cluburile, între gloria din anii 60-90 și decadența din ultimul deceniu |url=https://www.rugby.ro/rugby-ul-romanesc-analiz-cluburile-intre-gloria-din-anii-60-90-si-decadenta-din-ultimul-deceniu-17217.html |publisher=www.rugby.ro |date=November 2, 2023 |access-date=December 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214003818/https://www.rugby.ro/rugby-ul-romanesc-analiz-cluburile-intre-gloria-din-anii-60-90-si-decadenta-din-ultimul-deceniu-17217.html |archive-date=December 14, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> This was part of an effort to improve the visibility and competitiveness of local club teams rather than fielding a selection-based side for international club tournaments.<ref name=2015decision/> Among the factors was the reality of having the Wolves struggling to advance past the pool stages in their [[EPCR Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]] history and them facing strives such as limited resources and difficulties in competing against stronger European club teams. Their final season in [[2014–15 European Rugby Challenge Cup|2014-2015]] saw them fail to win any of their matches, signaling an end to their run as a composite team.

===2022: The Resurgence of the Romanian Wolves in European Rugby ===

In 2022, the Wolves, previously inactive since 2015, revived as a competitive rugby team. Now labeled as Romanian Wolves, they entered the [[Rugby Europe Super Cup|Rugby Europe Super Cup (RESC)]] marking a return to european club competition. This decision followed a strategic move by the [[Romanian Rugby Federation|Romanian Rugby Union (FRR)]] to boost the country's rugby development by creating a team that could help bridge the gap between emerging players and top-level international competition.<ref>{{cite web |title=Selecționata Romanian Wolves va participa în Super Cup, ediția 2022, care debutează în luna septembrie |url=https://rugbyromania.ro/selectionata-romanian-wolves-va-participa-in-super-cup-editia-2022-care-debuteaza-in-luna-septembrie/ |publisher=www.rugbyromania.ro |date=May 25, 2022 |access-date=December 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214020553/https://rugbyromania.ro/selectionata-romanian-wolves-va-participa-in-super-cup-editia-2022-care-debuteaza-in-luna-septembrie/ |archive-date=December 14, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Under the leadership of head coach [[Sosene Anesi]], who at that time served as a backs coach for Romania's [[Romania national rugby union team|national team]], the Romanian Wolves joined the RESC's Eastern Conference for the [[2022 Rugby Europe Super Cup|2022]] season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Romanian Wolves Join the Rugby Europe Super Cup |url=https://www.rugbyeurope.eu/news/romanian-wolves-join-the-rugby-europe-super-cup |publisher=www.rugbyeurope.eu |access-date=December 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214021150/https://www.rugbyeurope.eu/news/romanian-wolves-join-the-rugby-europe-super-cup |archive-date=December 14, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> This league offered them the opportunity to compete against strong teams like the [[Tel Aviv Heat]] and sides from [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] like the [[Black Lion (rugby union)|Black Lion]] and [[RC Batumi|Rugby Club Batumi]]. This was a significant moment for Romanian rugby as it allowed their top players to compete at a higher level of intensity, helping with their growth and potentially improving the national team's performance in future international events.


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left" align="right"
|-
|style="background:#f9e700;color:#304da1;border:1px solid #373435"|Period
|style="background:#f9e700;color:#304da1;border:1px solid #373435"|Name
|-
|2004–2008
|align=left|''Bucharest Representative Team''
|-
|2008–2011
|align=left|''Bucharest Oaks''
|-
|2011–2015
|align=left|''Bucharest Wolves''
|-
|2022–
|align=left|''Romanian Wolves''
|}

==Current squad==
{{Updated|19 October 2024}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Lupii înving Delta și termină pe primul loc Grupa B din Super Cup |url=https://rugbyromania.ro/lupii-inving-delta-si-termina-pe-primul-loc-grupa-b-din-super-cup/ |publisher=www.rugbyromania.ro |date=October 19, 2024 |access-date= 15 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216234051/https://rugbyromania.ro/lupii-inving-delta-si-termina-pe-primul-loc-grupa-b-din-super-cup/ |archive-date=December 16, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; font-size:90%; width:70%"
|-
! colspan="100%" | Romanian Wolves Rugby Europe Super Cup squad
|- valign="top"
|
'''Props'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Cosmin Manole]]'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Alexandru Savin]]'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} Emanuel Ilincuță
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''Ciprian Chiriac'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Vasile Balan (rugby union)|Vasile Balan]]'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Iulian Hartig]]'''
* {{flagicon|FIJ}} Joji Sikote

'''Hookers'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Tudor Butnariu]]'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Ovidiu Cojocaru]]''' '''('''[[Captain (sports)|c]]''')'''

'''Locks'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''Virgil Ghenea'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Lucian Mureșan (rugby union)|Ionuț Lucian Mureșan]]'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} Robert Murariu
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Ștefan Iancu (rugby union)|Ștefan Iancu]]'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}}{{flagicon|IRE}} '''Matthew Tweddle'''<sup>*</sup>

||

'''Back row'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Alexandru Alexe]]'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Cristi Boboc]]'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Cristi Chirică]]'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}}{{flagicon|TUR}} '''Kemal Altinok'''<sup>*</sup>
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Vlad Neculau]]'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Kamil Sobota]]'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Dragoș Ser]]'''
* {{flagicon|RSA}} Murray Keanan Antonio
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''Adrian Mitu'''

'''Scrum-halves'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Gabriel Rupanu]]'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''Vladuţ Bocăneț'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Alin Conache]]'''

'''Fly-halves'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Daniel Plai]]'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} Ioan-Ștefan Cojocariu
* {{flagicon|ROU}}{{flagicon|NZL}} '''[[Hinckley Vaovasa]]'''<sup>*</sup>

||

'''Centres'''
* {{flagicon|RSA}} Dylan Raymond Schwartz
* {{flagicon|ROU}} David Rafael Florea Jilăveanu
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''Mihai Graure'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}}{{flagicon|AUS}} '''[[Jason Tomane]]'''<sup>*</sup>

'''Wings'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''Romeo Corrado-Ștețco'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}}{{flagicon|TGA}} '''[[Fonovai Tangimana]]'''<sup>*</sup>
* {{flagicon|RSA}} Damian Jean Claude Jr. Bonaparte

'''Fullbacks'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''Edouard Carp'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Paul Popoaia]]'''
* {{flagicon|ROU}} '''[[Marius Simionescu]]'''
|-
| colspan="100%" style="height: 10px;" |
|-
| colspan="100%" style="text-align:center;" | ([[Captain (sports)|c]]) denotes the team captain, '''Bold''' denotes internationally capped players. <br /> <sup>*</sup> denotes players qualified to play for Romania on residency or dual nationality.
|}

==Current coaching staff==
The current coaching staff of the Romanian Wolves:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Name
!Nationality
!Role
|-
|Iustin Ilioiu||{{Flag|ROU}}||Manager
|-
|[[David Gérard]]||{{Flag|FRA}}||Head Coach
|-
|[[Simon Maisuradze]]||{{Flag|GEO}}||Assistant Coach (Forwards Coach)
|-
|[[Benjamin Lapeyre]]||{{Flag|FRA}}||Assistant Coach (Backs Coach)
|-
|David Popa||{{Flag|ROU}}||Video Analyst
|-
|Michael Dalley||{{Flag|UK}}||Strength & Conditioning Head Coach
|-
|Adrien Hass||{{Flag|FRA}}||Strength & Conditioning Assistant Coach
|-
|[[Daniel Carpo]]||{{Flag|ROU}}||Strength & Conditioning Assistant Coach 
|-
|Ilie Vlad||{{Flag|ROU}}||Team Doctor
|-
|Marius Todosi||{{Flag|ROU}}||Physiotherapist
|-
{{Fb cs footer|u= 18 October 2024 |s=[https://rugbyromania.ro/lupii-joaca-sambata-cu-delta-pentru-castigarea-grupei-din-super-cup-vezi-echipa-stabilita-de-staff-ul-tehnic/ Rugby Romania]|date= 15 December 2024}}

==Results and statistics==
===European Shield===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Year !! Played !! Won !! Drawn !! Loss !! For !! Against
|-
|[[2004–05 European Shield|2004–05]] || 2 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 39 || 47
|}

===European Challenge Cup / European Rugby Challenge Cup===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Year !! Pool !! Pos !! Played !! Won !! Drawn !! Loss !! Bonus !! Pts !! For !! Against
|-
|[[2005–06 European Challenge Cup|2005–06]] || 3 || 3rd || 6 || 1 || 0 || 5 || 1 || 5 || 71 || 253
|-
|[[2006–07 European Challenge Cup|2006–07]] || 1 || 3rd || 6 || 1 || 0 || 5 || 4 || 8 || 124 || 230
|-
|[[2007–08 European Challenge Cup|2007–08]] || 2 || 3rd || 6 || 2 || 1 || 3 || 0 || 10 || 77 || 158
|-
|[[2008–09 European Challenge Cup|2008–09]] || 3 || 4th || 6 || 1 || 0 || 5 || 1 || 5 || 87 || 197
|-
|[[2009–10 European Challenge Cup|2009–10]] || 1 || 4th || 6 || 1 || 0 || 5 || 3 || 7 || 70 || 136
|-
|[[2010–11 European Challenge Cup|2010–11]] || 4 || 3rd || 6 || 1 || 0 || 5 || 1 || 5 || 74 || 148
|-
|[[2011–12 European Challenge Cup|2011–12]] || 1 || 3rd || 6 || 2 || 0 || 4 || 2 || 10 || 102 || 184
|-
|[[2012–13 European Challenge Cup|2012–13]] || 4 || 3rd || 6 || 2 || 0 || 4 || 1 || 9 || 121 || 215
|-
|[[2013–14 European Challenge Cup|2013–14]] || 3 || 3rd || 6 || 2 || 0 || 4 || 2 || 10 || 94 || 105
|-
|[[2014–15 European Rugby Challenge Cup pool stage|2014–15]] || 3 || 4th || 6 || 0 || 0 || 6 || 1 || 1 || 77 || 261
|}

===European Rugby Continental Shield {{efn|Formerly known, in 2014, as European Rugby Challenge Cup Qualifying Competition, this was a rugby union competition organised for entry into the European Rugby Challenge Cup. }}===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Year !! Played !! Won !! Drawn !! Loss !! For !! Against
|-
|[[European Rugby Continental Shield|2014]] || 2 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 28 || 26
|}

===Rugby Europe Super Cup===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Year !! Round !! Played !! Won !! Drawn !! Loss !! Bonus !! Pts !! For !! Against
|-
|[[2022 Rugby Europe Super Cup|2022]] || Eastern Conference || 6 || 1 || 0 || 5 || 1 || 5 || 92 || 210
|-
|rowspan=3|[[2023 Rugby Europe Super Cup|2023]] || Pool B || 3 || 3 || 0 || 0 || 3 || 15 || 167 || 17
|-
|Semi-finals|| 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || - || - || 6 || 31
|-
|3rd place final|| 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || - || - || 41 || 17
|-
|rowspan=2|[[2024 Rugby Europe Super Cup|2024]] || Pool B || 3 || 2 || 0 || 1 || 3 || 11 || 118 || 77
|-
|Pool B final|| 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || - || - || 46 || 24
|}

===Badge===

<gallery>
File:Bucharest Oaks.png|2008-2011 logo
File:Bucharest Wolves Logo.png|2011-2015 logo
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[:Category:București Wolves players]]
* [[Romania national rugby union team]]
* [[Rugby union in Romania]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Rugby union in Romania}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Romanian Wolves}}
[[Category:Rugby union teams in Romania]]
[[Category:Rugby clubs established in 2004]]
[[Category:Sports clubs and teams in Bucharest]]
[[Category:2004 establishments in Romania]]
[[Category:Rugby Europe Super Cup]]