Costica Mersoiu

Costica Mersoiu (born 30 October 1977) is a Romanian former rugby union international.

Born in Focșani, Mersoiu was a back-rower and earned 39 Test caps for Romania, debuting in 2000.

Mersoiu received a two-year prison sentence in 2001 for manslaughter, having beaten to death his mother's live-in lover. Released from prison early for good behaviour, Mersoiu was rehabilitated back into the national team.

At club level, Mersoiu played locally for Steaua Bucarest and won a national title with the team in 2003, after which he competed in France with CA Périgueux and then AS Béziers.

Mersoiu scored a try in Romania's surprise win over Tier 1 team Italy in 2004. Due to injuries, Mersoiu missed both the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups. He served for a period as national captain in 2007 and 2008.