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One of Canada’s brightest young talents from a decade ago is returning to elite level rugby with the Toronto Arrows. Versatile back Conor McCann has signed on for the 2022 Major League Rugby season, with teenage prospect Kobe Faust and veteran prop Rob Brouwer also committing for another year.
McCann rose to prominence at the age of just 18 when he debuted on the World Sevens Series at Dubai in 2011. He was then represented Canada at successive Junior World Trophy tournaments, starting at flyhalf in 2012 and inside centre in 2013.
In 2012 McCann signed a two-year academy deal with French Top 14 giants Clermont Auvergne but never made the jump to the senior level, instead turning out briefly at club level with James Bay. In recent years he has excelled with his home club of Balmy Beach in Ontario and now looks to restart his elite career at the age of 28.
It’s at fullback where McCann is being eyed to contribute with the Arrows though he also covers flyhalf and center. Also an experienced goal kicker, he gives the Arrows backline options in the absence of Patrick Parfrey who is opting to focus on his graduate studies in medicine.
Faust became the youngest player to take the field in MLR history last season at 19 years, 1 month, and 26 days. He would make three appearances before the season closed, playing on the wing though he can also play outside centre and fullback.
Brouwer has been with the team since it’s inception. The 39-year-old loosehead prop did not arrive in Atlanta last season until late in the season but provided the team with an immediate boost in the Week 14 game against NOLA Gold. He joins fellow Canadian international Cole Keith and newcomer Sione Fa’alelei as options in the No1 shirt for the 2022 campaign.
