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Tomane

Jason Tomane: "It’s a blessing and an honour to represent the Stejarii"

The Stejarii, the last team to defeat Georgia in a Men’s Rugby Europe Championship and one of the longest established rugby nations ever is ready to jump into the REC frying pan.

A physically dominant side, the Oaks have gone through a reconstruction under new head coach David Gérard, and have their eyes set on the prize: a tenth Men’s Rugby World Cup qualification.

But what can they reveal to the Rugby Europe fandom before the first kick-off? To find that out behemoth centre Jason Tomane had a sit-down and told us what to expect from them.

“We have been preparing for a year now. We know who our opposition is and have built a team to achieve our goals. The staff made it clear it was going to be a tough year, but it was needed if we wanted to qualify for the next Men’s Rugby World Cup. All our rivals are gunning for the same goal so we couldn’t take our foot off the gas pedal. We prepared in the best way possible. Every player is fighting for a spot in the first XV. The team is vibing and in high spirits for the Men’s REC.”

Former Les Bleus international David Gérard took the reins in November 2023, and has been able to bring some success to Romanian rugby since his appointment, as Tomane states.

 “The new staff has been awesome. They [the staff] have brought new energy and have worked with us non-stop to get us to the best possible level. It was a good freshen-up after a tough World Cup. We landed some good wins against Tonga, the United States of America and Canada, and I believe we have done well to get us ready for what’s coming next.”

Germany, Belgium and Portugal are on Romania’s way in the qualification for Australia 2027, with fans expecting a successful campaign. Under Gérard’s command, the team has revamped their pack and reshaped the backline.

“We have been reworking the small details and polishing our craft. I think our physicality went up a level or two, and we are more confident in what we can do. Everyone is doing their best to earn the call.”

Romania conceded four losses in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, in a campaign that didn’t go as expected, albeit they faced tough competition,

“You always want to play against the best when you become an athlete, so to go to the World Cup is the perfect chance for it. And our pool was really the best of the best, with South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and Tonga in it. It’s something that I can tell my kids and my grandkids. It meant everything for me to represent Romania in France.”

Even in defeat, the players showed great pride and love to represent Romania in the World Cup, with Tomane easily breaking down what it means to them to be a Stejarii,

“Honour. That’s the first thing you feel when you put this jersey on. You are playing for a proud nation, with people who will always get behind you and support you. If you are sitting at home and watching a game, it might seem there are hundreds of thousands in the stands by the noise they make, when there are just a few thousand. It means a lot to them.” 

And what does it mean for Tomane to play for one of the most historical rugby nations ever?

“It means everything. I love the team, the country, the culture and what has been given to me in the last few years. They gave me an opportunity, and I thank them for it. It’s a blessing and an honour to represent the Stejarii.”

Tomane arrived in Romania in 2018 signed by CSM Bucuresti. At the time he had no idea what his future with the European country would be.

“When I arrived in Romania, I had no intention of playing for the national team, as my contract was just for one season only. But it extended for another season, and then Baia Mare signed me. After three years of living here, they asked if I was keen to play for the Stejarii. As I was already in love with the country, it was a no-brainer."

What were his first reaction and feeling when he first landed in Romania?

“I arrived in 2018 not knowing what level of rugby they played here, and it was a massive cultural shock. I was brought up in Australia, and everything was new to me. However, I immediately fell in love with the culture and people, and I now can call it home.”

After two years with CSM Bucuresti, the centre was approached by Baia Mare, one of the country's most successful teams. So, what was it like leaving the capital to live in a city eight hours away?

“It was a second shock. Bucharest is the capital, and Baia Mare is a smaller city in the northwest. However, the club is massive in every way. Passionate fan base, high playing standards, and a commitment to make the city proud. It was really good for me to join them, and I have loved my time here in the last seven years. I enjoy living in Bucharest, but Baia Mare is more peaceful and less stressful.”

Let’s rewind in time and find out how rugby became part of his life, before the whole Romania chapter. First question: who made him join the sport?  

“I got into rugby because of my brother [Joe]. Being five years older, he was already playing it and one day he got home and told my father ‘The club needs kids of Jason’s age. Maybe he should try it out!’. My father wasn’t that keen. We were a very religious family and because we went as a family to Church on Sundays, it would clash with my team’s games. But he let us go, and I am very grateful for it. I wouldn’t be here without his support.”

But did Jason Tomane think of becoming a professional rugby player? Did a pro career motivate him to keep going?

“I initially stayed in rugby because of my friends. I wanted to be with them and have fun. Things changed when I got to my teens. My brother had become a pro player, and I thought about pursuing the same path. I had the chance to do it first in Australia before going to Hong Kong for a short spell, and finally Romania.”

In the end, Jason Tomane followed his brother’s footsteps and would become not only a pro player but a capped Romanian international, a feat he still fondly remembers, 

“I had big shoes to fill when I played my first cap. Romania was vastly known as a physical team, and I couldn’t let them down. It was the most special game of my career. Nothing beats the first time you put on the jersey. I like to look back to that game and remember how I felt on that day. The game against Ireland and the Springboks was also special, but the debut holds a special place in my heart.”

Let’s get to the interesting part of the interview… what food should a rugby traveller try when they are in Romania?

“You have to definitely try papanasi. It’s a fried dough with sour cream and a blueberry jam. My favourite. If you are more into savoury treats, then you must get some sarmale. It’s a type of cabbage roll with a filling.”

And how is it to play next to one of his best friends, Hinckley Vaovasa?

“Hinckley [Vaovasa] makes everyone play and look good. He’s the type of player that will help you shine. He is a good player to have in your team. He is also quite the character.”

Who’s the better player: him or his brother?

“My brother! He is the reason why I started playing rugby, and why I pursued the dream to become a Test Match player. I was so proud when he first played for the Wallabies, and it made me want to chase the same dream. He played in France, Ireland, Japan and Australia, and I think that speaks volumes about his range as a rugby player.”

Who’s his favourite Rugby Europe rival?

“All of them. Nowadays there’s no easy team in the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship. Everyone has its strengths and has enough gas to fight a win.”

And can he share his favourite word in Romanian?

“I am still learning the language, and I can honestly say that I understand it better than speaking it, but my favourite word has to be ‘multumesc’, which means ‘thank you’.”

Another important question: does he have a nickname?

“You know that my Romanian teammates used to call me ‘Balaure’. I didn’t know what that was, and I asked them why they were calling me that nickname, and they explained that Balaure or Balaur is a dragon from Romanian myth. I don’t know what they are implying, but I think they were calling me a big guy.”

Who has inspired you to reach this level?

“My wife. She has been with me for a long time and has helped me so much. I have no words for her effort, patience and love.”

And, finally, what can he promise to Romanian fans?

“We can promise that we will give our all. We have been working hard behind the scenes and doing the best we can to deliver the utmost best to them. We know they will be supporting us and right by our side.”

By Francisco Isaac

 

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