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The Toronto Arrows have confirmed the signature of eight more players for the 2019 Major League Rugby season. Five players return from the spring/fall exhibition campaigns and there are three newcomers – New Zealand imports Sam Malcolm and Spencer Jones, and Canadian international Jamie Mackenzie.
Joining the roster that now totals 19 officially are tighthead prop Mike Smith, twin second rows Josh and Tom van Horne, and flyhalf Shawn Windsor. Smith and the van Horne brothers have been regular squad members since breaking into the side this year, while Windsor has been a staple at flyhalf for the Arrows and the Ontario Blues before that.
Aaron McLelland continues his back-and-forth journey having played for the Arrows in their first three spring matches and then returning to the UBCOB Ravens. A native of Gisborne, New Zealand, the 23-year-old outside back with pace to burn has been earmarked for Canada Sevens honors once he qualifies on residency ahead of the 2019-20 season.
Malcolm, 23, arrives in Canada after appearing in all 10 games for the Manawatu Turbos during the Mitre 10 Cup. He started seven of those games, splitting his time between flyhalf and fullback. The Hurricanes academy graduate has represented New Zealand Universities and was part of the New Zealand u20 extended training group. Malcolm can also cover scrumhalf and has impressive goal kicking range despite his small stature.
Arriving from New Zealand indirectly is Jones. The 21-year-old flyhalf or center spent time playing for the Austin Blacks in the Red River 1st Division earlier this year, and most recently has been lining up for Westshore in BC’s CDI Premier League. Jones is Canadian born but grew up in New Zealand where he played for Hamilton Old Boys and was part of the Waikato Development squad.
Canadian fans will be well aware of Mackenzie. After two years in the rugby wilderness the 29-year-old returned to international contention this season and is currently in France participating in the World Cup Repechage competition. Mackenzie will compete with fellow Oakville Crusaders product Andrew Ferguson for the No9 shirt.
Meanwhile Saracens academy scrumhalf Alex Gliksten will not be joining the team. He featured during the spring campaign but has opted to stay in England and complete his university studies while being dual-registered with Bedford Blues.
