The Romanian Rugby Federation announced on Wednesday that former international Ionel Negreci died at only 53 years old. Negreci was part of the Romanian team that participated in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the 1995 Latin Cup in Argentina and the 1997 Hong Kong Rugby 7s World Championship.
Ionel Negreci was only 53 years old. PHOTO Facebook Rugby Romania
The Romanian Rugby Federation expresses its regret at the untimely death of the former international player.
“It’s news that shocked us all, Romanian rugby is increasingly losing players who were part of emblematic generations, players we grew up with, having them as role models. I caught Ionel Negreci in the national team, he was a charismatic player, who took care of us, the youngest, who were making the step to the senior team. He always had a word of advice and a kind word for us, and beyond what he did on the pitch, more importantly he will remain in our hearts as a great MAN“, said Alin Petrache, president of FRR.
Originally from the Cumpăna commune of Constanta, Ionel Negreci started playing rugby at Țoala Sportivă 2 Constanța, under the guidance of coach Dumitru Bucur.
Throughout his career, he played at CFR Constanța, at Farul Constanța, a team with which he also played in the Challenge Cup, but also in the Romanian national team, his position being that of a bookkeeper.
Was part of South Africa’s 1995 Rugby World Cup squad, starting all three games against Canada, South Africa and Australia, FRR Show.
Also, in 1995, he participated with Romania in the Cup of Latin Countries, a competition that took place in Argentina. In 1997 he was part of the Romanian team that played at the World Rugby 7s Championship in Hong Kong, playing against Australia, Scotland, France and the USA.
