Oaks receive warm welcome in Queenstown

Romania's squad took a short break from Rugby World Cup business on Tuesday to drop in on a local school.

Pupils at Queenstown's Remarkables primary, with Romania flags painted on their faces, excitedly greeted the team and were treated to a short kickabout with the Oaks as well as an autograph and photo session.

Team manager Robert Antonin was delighted to see how the children responded to the visit.

"I was impressed with the pupils’ reception and great enthusiasm," he said. "It has been the same everywhere we’ve been in New Zealand but the best reception yet was here."

Antonin, who had been impressed with the facilities at Queenstown on a previous visit, gave the green light for the squad's temporary relocation to the town ahead of their next Pool B match against Argentina.

Social occasion

"The guys have enjoyed Queenstown. Coming here was a good choice, the welcome has been very warm."

Antonin said a mix of rest, recuperation and training was on the agenda, adding that he was keen to get the squad together for a social occasion even though it would clash with a chance to see pool rivals Georgia in action.

"We are going to go out for a team dinner. But it will be the night Georgia play Scotland so we will have one eye on the table and one on the game."

Romania return to Invercargill on Thursday and will play Argentina at Rugby Park Stadium on Saturday.