Just days before their match against Romania, the Russian national rugby team are scrambling to for spare shoes after thieves reportedly stole have stolen several of their players' boots and other sporting gears.

According to the payers of the Russian team, nine pairs of boots and other gear disappeared from the team's hotel in Bucharest during a power cut.

Fortunately for the players, the Romanian Rugby Federation had offered to provide the Russians with new boots for the Sunday game.

Russia and five other teams are taking part the European Nations Cup.