Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The Toronto Arrows confirmed some significant roster moves on Wednesday, highlighted by the trading of co-captain and outside center Ben LeSage to the LA Giltinis. In return the club acquires openside flanker James O’Neill, a 3rd-round pick in the 2022 Collegiate Draft, and salary cap considerations.
LeSage, 25, was among the league’s best midfielders in 2021 and was a fixture in the Arrows lineup since arriving ahead of the 2020 season. He has also been Canada’s first choice at No13 since the 2019 World Cup. The Giltinis have confirmed a two-year contract for LeSage, who could partner with former Super Rugby standout Bill Meakes in the LA midfield.
O’Neill had been drafted in the second round of the 2021 Collegiate Draft by the Giltinis. The 23-year-old has previously captained the Canada u20 side, the University of Victoria Vikes, and most recently the Pacific Pride in the Coastal Cup. This will be his first season as a professional.
To plug the gap at outside center the Arrows have signed Ueta Tufuga from Wairarapa Bush in the Heartland Championship. Also 23, he was previously a triallist with the New Zealand u20 squad. Tufuga comes from a rugby family with brothers Sam, Max, and Kirk all provincial-level players.
