Former Toronto Arrows join Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team

Following the unfortunate news last fall that the Toronto Arrows and New York Ironworkers would not be participating in the 2024 MLR season, Rugby Canada has assisted affected Canadian-eligible players in finding new high performance training and playing opportunities. 

Three former Toronto Arrows players have joined Canada’s men’s sevens program, Ciaran Breen, Liam Bowman and Kobe Faust. Breen and Bowman are former Pacific Pride players who both made their MLR debuts in 2023 and previously spent time with French Pro D2 sides. Breen was named to Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team’s travelling squad for last summer’s Fiji and Tonga tour, while Bowman captained Canada’s U20 team in 2022. Faust played three MLR seasons with the Arrows, the youngest player to debut in the MLR at the time in 2021. 

Noah Flesch, a former Toronto Arrows Academy and Pacific Pride player, and Jack McCarthy, who recently represented Memorial University at the 2023 Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship, have also joined the Canadian men’s sevens program. 

“It’s always an exciting time when we’re able to add players to our training group who can make a positive impact in the immediate and long-term direction of this program,” said Sean White, Head Coach of Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team. “We were able to bring Ciaran back to our mix having worked with him a season ago. Liam and Kobe are exceptional young players who were leaders in their U20 campaign and who we feel will contribute to our environment and propel our team forward.  

“Noah is the latest example of the quality that the Pacific Pride continues to produce. His attitude towards training and desire to improve daily speaks volumes for the learning environment created by Phil Mack and Hubert Buydens. Jack has taken the journeyman approach where he has been working tirelessly behind the scenes through the club and university pathways, from Atlantic Canada across to BC. He is someone whose perseverance and drive shows in his play.” 

Alex Lee and Richard Owen, who were hired by Rugby Canada in January 2023 as staff embedded within the Arrows, have started new roles, Lee as Strength and Conditioning Coach with the men’s sevens program and Owen as an analyst with the women’s sevens program. 

“Alex has been a fantastic addition to the sevens program, having had a brief stint with the Pride in the fall,” said White. “His authenticity towards the improvements and adjustments to the team’s physical preparation while also adding to our core values and culture has been an incredible asset to have.” 

Nine Canadian eligible Toronto Arrows players, as well as Andrew Coe from the New York Ironworkers, have signed with new MLR teams for the 2024 season. Lucas Rumball and Mason Flesch have signed with Chicago, Coe and Connor Grindal with LA, Robbie Povey and Tyler Wong with Utah, Mitch Richardson and Nic Benn with Dallas, Tyler Rowland with DC, and Callum Botchar with NOLA. 

There are currently 43 Canadian-eligible players signed with MLR teams for the 2024 season, with New England leading the way with 11 players.