MLR Off-Season Update – Toronto Arrows

It’s back to business for Canada’s only professional rugby team as the Toronto Arrows have begun their preseason training. The internationals will start to trickle in over the next couple weeks with those locally-based already stretching their legs. Having shed their expansion label, the Arrows approach their second Major League Rugby campaign with many lessons learned in 2019.

2019 CAMPAIGN

Toronto’s first regular season was nothing if not dramatic. The first half was spent entirely on the road, and with a split record they needed a big home stretch to make the Semi Finals. That they got as they rattled off seven straight wins to close out the season and book their ticket to Seattle.

The eventual champions were too much at home but it was a very positive beginning for the Arrows. A dozen players would go on to be selected at the World Cup with four others on Canada’s extended list. Others like prop Pat Lynott, flankers Peter Milazzo and Marcello Wainwright, and midfielder Spencer Jones showed well in their first seasons as professionals.

HOME VENUE

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of the first season was the split between York University’s Alumni Field and downtown Lamport Stadium. Combined with some uncooperative weather, Toronto’s attendance figures were inconsistent though the average was right around the league mark.

This coming season will see the team playing their first ‘home’ game at the neutral venue of Las Vegas Ballpark. Four matches are currently booked for Lamport with three to be determined. The team is currently in discussions with city officials to play those at Lamport as well, with York the backup if an agreement can’t be made.

COACHING STAFF

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Arrows feature one of the strongest coaching groups in MLR with Chris Silverthorn the man at the top of the hierarchy. Cory Hector, David Butcher, former Seawolves flyhalf Peter Smith, and Canada’s record cap-winner Aaron Carpenter are assistants with Rodin ‘Koko’ Lozada heading up the video analysis. The resourceful Mark Winokur continues as General Manager.

2020 ROSTER

Continuity is key in the playing department as well with 28 returnees matching that of New Orleans for most in the league. The latest to re-commit are promising forward Kolby Francis and Canada’s World Cup fullback Patrick Parfrey. The latter will miss the first half of the season with school commitments – he is finishing a PhD in the medical field. Francis played 14 games this past season, often as a bench option covering lock or his preferred No8 position.

The incoming list is relatively small but all meaningful. Former Australia u20 prop Richie Asiata replaces fan favorite Morgan Mitchell, while highly rated Canada u20 tighthead Tyler Rowland is set to take the next step in his young career. A pair of South American loose forwards will be prominent figures – Uruguay No8 Manuel Diana and former Pumas flanker Tomás de la Vega. They should form a high quality back row with Canada vice-captain Lucas Rumball.

Former New Zealand u20 halfback Tayler Adams joins and should be the starting No10 with star goal kicker Sam Malcolm set to move to his Manawatu position of fullback. 22-year-old Will Kelly made his test debut in the Americas Rugby Championship and is a long-term prospect at flyhalf. Adding to an already strong midfield is Canada starter Ben LeSage who joins Jones, Guiseppe du Toit, and Canada age-grade rep Mitch Richardson in the backs division.

There are some prominent names on the departures list. Mitchell is off to Japan, and incumbent No8 Luke Campbell won’t be returning. Veteran internationals Tom Dolezel, Andrew Wilson, and John Moonlight have other priorities though they remain a phone call away if needed.

Three dynamic outside backs have moved elsewhere. 20-year-old try-scoring sensation Avery Oitomen has returned to Cardiff Metropolitan University while fullback Theo Sauder has joined the Canada Sevens side in the run-in to the Olympics. World Cup winger Kainoa Lloyd is currently in BC assessing his options.

WHAT’S MISSING

Weak links are not obvious on this roster but there is always room for improvement. Mitchell’s experience at tighthead hasn’t really been replaced with Asiata more often found on the loosehead side. It’s not necessarily a weakness with Cole Keith also on the roster and Rob Brouwer capable on both sides of the scrum, but it’s a question that will be answered in the opening weeks of the season.

A spring-heeled lineout specialist is missing in the second row. That could be filled later in the season if Canada ‘A’ select Adrian Wadden becomes available following his commitments at Leeds Beckett University. There is quality across the backline but perhaps a lack of x-factor with Gastón Mieres the only genuine speed merchant and no bulldozing option in the midfield.

RE-SIGNED (28):

Rob Brouwer, LH
Pat Lynott, LH
Steven Ng, HO
Andrew Quattrin, HO
Jack McRogers, HO
Cole Keith, TH
Mike Smith, TH
Paul Ciulini, LO
Mike Sheppard, LO
Josh van Horne, LO
Tom van Horne, LO
Peter Milazzo, FL
Lucas Rumball, FL
Marcello Wainwright, FL
Kolby Francis, N8
Andrew Ferguson, SH
Jamie Mackenzie, SH
Riley DiNardo, SH
Sam Malcolm, FH/FB
Shawn Windsor, FH/FB
Guiseppe du Toit, CE
Spencer Jones, CE
Mitch Richardson, CE
Leandro Leivas, WI
Dan Moor, WI
Johnny Sheridan, WI
Gastón Mieres, WI/FB
Patrick Parfrey, FB

IN (7):

Richie Asiata, LH/TH, Canterbury (NZ)
Tyler Rowland, TH, Toronto Nomads
Tomás de la Vega, FL, CUBA (AR)
Manuel Diana, N8, Old Christians (UR)
Tayler Adams, SH/FH, Eastwood (AU)
Will Kelly, FH, Dragons (UK)
Ben LeSage, CE, UBC Thunderbids

OUT (12):

Tom Dolezel, LH/TH
Doug Wooldrige, LH/TH
Morgan Mitchell, TH, Kamaishi Seawaves (JP)
John Moonlight, FL
Luke Campbell, N8
Jack Nay, N8, Tonbridge (UK)
Andrew Wilson, N8
Jamie Leveridge, CE
Kainoa Lloyd, WI
Avery Oitomen, WI, Cardiff Met (UK)
Theo Sauder, FB, Canada Sevens
Jack Evans, FB, Swansea (UK)