Romania welcomes three new rugby players as citizens

Romania has recently naturalized three rugby players: Fonovai Tangimana, Jason Tomane, and Kuselo Moyake. This significant step highlights the growing diversity and inclusivity within the Romanian rugby community.

Fonovai Tangimana, who first donned the Romanian jersey in November 2016, has made an impressive 39 selections for the national team, including participation in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He arrived in Romania in 2012 and has played for several clubs, including Timișoara Saracens, CSM București, CSA Steaua, CS Rapid, and CS Dinamo.

Jason Tomane, who became a part of the Romanian national team in November 2021, has also had a notable career. He played against Uruguay and was part of the squad for the 2023 World Cup. Since moving to Romania in 2017, he has competed for two seasons with CSM București and is currently a player for CSM Știința Baia Mare.

Kuselo Moyake, a third-row player from South Africa, debuted for Romania in November 2017, facing off against Tonga. He has been with various clubs, including CSM Știința Baia Mare, CSA Steaua, CSU ELBI Cluj, and CS Rapid, and has returned to play for Baia Mare, where he continues to showcase his talent.

The solemn naturalization ceremony took place at the National Authority for Citizenship in Bucharest, attended by Ana Claudia Țapardel, vice president of the ANC. Fonovai Tangimana took the oath of allegiance to Romania during this significant event, marking a new chapter not just for him but also for the Romanian rugby landscape.