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Like father like son

Iulian Dumitras hoping for three generations to play in a RWC

Romania do not hold many World Cup records, but their full back Iulian Dumitras has the honour of holding a very rare record indeed.

Dumitras has the distinction of being the only player at Rugby World Cup 2007 to be the son of a former World Cup player. His father, former Romanian captain Haralambie Dumitras, led his country at both the 1987 and 1991 tournaments.

It is not the easiest of tasks, then to live up to his father's legacy, a fact he is more than mindful of.

"In 1991 he was the best number eight in the world," the 25-year-old Dumitras told IRB.

"He was very good but I'm trying to do my best to follow him, trying not to disappoint my family's rugby tradition."

Not only is he following in his father's footsteps at international level, but also at club level, with Iulian also now playing for Pau. This is his first World Cup and one that he is cherishing.

"It's a new experience for me, playing in a World Cup," he said.

"For a professional rugby player at a high level, it's a dream come true and it's a big honour for me to participate."

Despite it being his first tournament Dumitras is still setting his goals high, a third place finish.

"With the team we are trying to achieve our best performance ever," he added.

"We want to put in a good performance against Scotland and New Zealand."

Having seen how the All Blacks took Italy to pieces in their opening game, Dumitras is under no illusions as to the magnitude of their game with the favourites. He is however confident his side can put in a performance to make them proud.

"Italy are normally above Romania so it will be tough for us when we play them both," he said.

"But as the match against New Zealand is the last match, maybe we can try to put in a better performance."

And with his fiancee expecting a baby, Dumitras just might understand first-hand the pride of a father seeing his son following in his own footsteps at a future world cup.