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Toronto Arrows lock Mike Sheppard has announced his retirement from rugby. The 34-year-old steps away after five years of Major League Rugby that included a team-leading 59 appearances, 15 of them as captain. He led the Arrows out at York Lions Stadium for what would be his final appearance in the season finale against NOLA in June.
Sheppard was among the league’s leading second rows during his first couple seasons with the team. His physical play and signature hairstyle made him a fan favorite and he was often found loitering among the crowd well after the final whistle at home games.
Originally from Brampton, he was a standout at McMaster University and played amateur club rugby with the Brampton Beavers and Stoney Creek Camels. Sheppard was also a leading figure with the Ontario provincial side, and he won 11 caps for Canada from 2018 through the 2019 World Cup.
A statement on social media read in part:
“I picked up a rugby ball at the age of 13, and at the time I could’ve never comprehended just how much this beautiful game would give me.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky to play this game for almost 22 years, and while I still feel mentally and physically sound, it’s very important to me that I feel this healthy for the years to come. I can happily and confidently announce that my professional playing career has come to an end.
“I will carry my passion of the game through coaching and hopefully I can inspire the same love and dedication that this game has given to me into the younger generations.”
