Richie Asiata will not be playing for the Toronto Arrows in the 2021 Major League Rugby season. The 24-year-old front rower has signed for the Queensland Reds and is now set to make his Super Rugby debut against the Waratahs on Friday having been named as reserve hooker for the match.
It’s a significant blow to the Arrows front row just a month out from the start of the new season, one Toronto will be forced to play indefinitely south of the border. Asiata started all five games in 2020, playing both loosehead and tighthead prop and impressing with his dynamic ball carrying ability.
With Asiata already under contract for 2021, Toronto will receive undisclosed financial compensation from the Reds. It leaves the Arrows with just two loosehead props on the roster in Canadian international Rob Brouwer and University All-Star Pat Lynott.