Former rugby player Alexandru Penciu, Romania’s most valuable defender of all time, has died at the age of 90, according to the Romanian Rugby Federation.

Alexandru “The Great” Penchiu died at the age of 90

Nicknamed “Alexander the Macedonian”, Penchiu contributed to important victories at the local Oval with his metronome precision.

Aleksandru Penchu ​​was born on November 1, 1932. He started playing rugby at Petrolul Ploiesti before moving to PPT Bucharest and CCA Bucharest (now Steaua), a team with which he won the national title five times. He ended his playing career at the age of 40 in Italy, in Rovigo, being the top scorer in the Italian championship for two consecutive seasons.

From 1955 to 1967, he played 34 times for the Romanian national team, scored 37 points and contributed to the first victory against France on June 5, 1960 in Bucharest (11-5), when he managed to realize and score two goals.

He lived in Italy, in Belluno, where he died.

“It’s a big loss for us, both for Romanian rugby and for international rugby. He was, is and continues to be a role model for all generations, an innate talent complemented by a huge amount of work, dedication and passion, a legend who lived for rugby, who made Romania’s name on everyone’s lips.

He was until the last moment a very clear, rational person, a person with whom I spoke all the time, we heard each other on the phone every few weeks. I’m glad that we managed to bring him, when health allowed, to children’s and teenage camps, to work with him, to see what a real model is.

It’s a sad day for Romanian rugby, a day when Alexander the Great is no longer physically with us, but his glory and the extraordinary moments he wrote in our and world rugby will live on forever. It is our duty to tell current and future generations about the great Alexander Penchiu.” Alin PetrachePresident of the Romanian Rugby Federation.