Cristian Stoica

Who is Cristian Stoica?

Cristian Alexandru Stoica, also known as Alessandro Stoica, is an Italian rugby union footballer. His usual position is in the centres. He has played for the Italian national team over 60 times in the past, and was included in their 1999 and 2003 World Cup squads. He plays his club rugby for Montpellier Hérault RC in the domestic French league, the Top 14.

Stoica was born in Romania, but left at 13 years old to Italy, in 1989. He joined Pavia Rugby, and switched to Milan in 1996, and after only six appearances in the Serie A league, he was called up for national representation. He made his debut for Italy at the age of 20, against Ireland at Lansdowne Road in Dublin. After spending two seasons with Milan, Stoica left the club and signed with RC Narbonne, who play in the French league.

In 1999, Stoica was included in the Italian squad for the World Cup in Wales. He has also been playing in the Six Nations Championship since Italy were admitted in 2000. After a short stay in England, where he played for Gloucester RFC, Stoica signed with Castres Olympique, and, in 2003, moved on to Montpellier RC. In the same year, he earnt his second World Cup selection with Italy in Australia.