Romania Test Match Jersey Next to be Auctioned by United States Rugby Foundation

San Diego, CA (July 14, 2006) –A jersey worn by Romania #8 Hary Dumitras in an international test match against the United States is the latest jersey to be auctioned off by the United States Rugby Foundation.USRF Executive Director Brian Vizard played in 22 test matches for the United States from 1986-1991 including tests against England, Australia, France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Japan, Canada, Romania and Italy. This is the last jersey from his personal collection that will be put up for auction on eBay with all proceeds directed for youth and high school rugby.Hary Dumitras was one of Romania’s all-time great forwards. He appeared in 49 matches for the “Oaks” during his 10-year international career. He was a member of Romania’s Rugby World Cup teams in 1987 and 1991 and captained the national team on several occasions, including the 1991 World Cup. In 1990 he was included in the Europe selection that played against the British Lions and in 1994 he played for the British Barbarians against Cardiff and Swansea. He was the assistant coach of Romania in 2002-2003, including the 2003 RWC.A picture of the jersey, along with a brief account of the test match between the United States and Romania from September 17, 1988 can be found on eBay, item #180007251569. The bidding will conclude at 12:00 pm (PST) on Sunday, July 23, 2006.“Touring Russia was an experience I’ll not soon forget,” said Vizard. “From the time we went through Customs in Moscow to leaving the country, you never really knew what was going to happen next. We had a pretty good side back then so we were disappointed we lost to the Russians but it was nice to get the victory over Romania.”The Dumitras jersey is the latest jersey to be auctioned by the USRF. A Dean Richards England #8 jersey was the first to be posted on eBay. That was followed by a rare green Welsh jersey worn by #8 Paul Moriarty. Eric Champ’s #6 French jersey was next on the auction block. Noel Mannion’s Ireland #8 jersey was next up followed by a #8 jersey worn by Canadian great Glenn Ennis. The Wallaby #8 jersey worn by the talented Tim Gavin followed. Then came the jerseys worn by former Scottish 8man, Stuart Reid and 1991 Rugby World Cup Italian skipper Gianni Zanon. Last month’s jersey on auction was worn by Japan #8 Michihito Chida. All proceeds from the auctions benefit the USRF Ball and High School Start-Up Kit Grant Programs.The USRF is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization established in 1963. Although its main focus is supporting youth and high school rugby, the Foundation also provides grants to coaches and referees; establishes international student exchanges and college scholarships, has assisted the United States Collegiate All-Americans and Boys Under-19 teams, and also provides grants to Safety and Risk Management Research.For more information about the Foundation, go to its website at: www.usrugbyfoundation.org.