Listening to Marius Simionescu recount his journey from a reluctant teenager to a cornerstone of Romanian rugby can only be described as inspiring. The full-back vividly shares his experiences, from dodging homework to playing pivotal matches for his country.
Born in Erbiceni and brought up in Iași, Simionescu was initially hesitant when rugby entered his life at 14. A clever nudge from coach Gabriel Popa, promising no homework if he attended practices, got him onto the field. However, it wasn't love at first play for Simionescu, who struggled to find his passion for the sport during the initial months.
"The first few weeks, I actually skipped training," Simionescu admits. But a call to action from Popa soon changed his perspective.
"Come tomorrow and let’s see if you get bored,"the coach challenged. That next session included an unexpected match against older players which sparked Simionescu's love for rugby.
His evolution in the sport was rapid. After a significant stint with the local team under Popa's guidance, Simionescu's prowess earned him a spot at the Timişoara Saracens, radically changing his life's direction. He moved 665 miles away from his hometown to pursue his career, a decision championed by his mentor.
By 2017, Simionescu was not only a regular starter for Timişoara but also a key player in their championship-winning squad. His performances didn't just earn him trophies but also recognition from Romania's national team selectors. Despite the death of his beloved grandmother, Simionescu joined the national squad, respecting his mother's advice to play through the pain.
He recalls one of his most memorable matches, saying,
"the game against Samoa was electrifying, winning in the last minute—it gave me goosebumps!"
Despite the physical challenges and early doubts about his suitability for rugby, Simionescu's stubborn resolve and the support from his family and coach Popa helped him disprove critics. Now an essential player for Romania, he reflects on the importance of wearing his national jersey not just for himself but in honor of those who played before and those who will follow.
His career faced a hurdle with an injury causing him to miss important games in 2025, but he returned strong for the Nations Cup. Although Romania lost their opener, they bounced back dramatically, clinching a win against Samoa with a last-minute try in a nail-biting finish.
Looking ahead, Simionescu is focused on the upcoming international fixtures and believes the Nations Cup has been crucial in elevating the Romanian team's potential. "It's a high-intensity environment," he states, optimistic about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Stejarii.
