Rugby: Thieves leave Romanians bootless

BUCHAREST - Several Russian rugby players had to train in socks after thieves stole the team's boots ahead of this weekend's European Nations Cup match with Romania.

"The whole story happened last night after (Russia's) training session," said a report on the Romanian Rugby Federation (FRR) official website.

"The players put their boots in the (Bucharest) hotel lobby but they disappeared during a power shortage."

The report added that police had launched an investigation ahead of Sunday's game in Bucharest.

"The FRR regrets the incident and will offer boots to the visiting players if they ask for them," it added.

The Nations Cup, also known as the 'Six Nations B', is a second-level competition for European countries.

- REUTERS