Russian rugger boots nicked

Thieves have stolen several Russian rugby players' boots in Bucharest - just days before the national team's match against Romania, officials say. Nine pairs of boots and other gear disappeared from the team's hotel on Tuesday during a power cut, the Romanian Rugby Federation (FRR) said.

The FRR said it had offered the Russians help by providing them with new boots for the Sunday game. It added that a police investigation was now under way. The Russian team was burgled at the Tei Student Sport complex on Tuesday night.

"After training, the Russian players left their boots and part of their gear in the hotel's reception," the FRR said in a statement. "During a sudden power cut, nine pairs of boots, other types of sport shoes and some gear disappeared," it said.

FRR spokesman Radu Konstantin told the BBC News website that reports that the Russians had to train in socks the following day were not true.