Toronto Arrows
Full nameToronto Arrows
Nickname(s)Arrows
FoundedOntario Arrows
2017–2018
Toronto Arrows
2018–2023[1] [2]
LocationToronto, Ontario, Canada
Ground(s)York Lions Stadium (Capacity: 4,000)
Coach(es)Steve Meehan
Captain(s)Lucas Rumball
Top scorerSam Malcolm (212)
Most triesGaston Mieres (11)
League(s)Major League Rugby
20224th (Eastern Conference)
Official website
torontoarrows.com
Current season

Toronto Arrows R.F.C. was a rugby union club based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, that played in Major League Rugby.[3] The Arrows team was an independent off-shoot of the Ontario Blues provincial programme and was funded by a group of private investors and supporters.[4] They are currently on hiatus following the 2023 season.[5]

History

Ontario Arrows' logo
(2017–18)
Toronto Arrows first logo
(2018-23)
Co-founder and president Bill Webb

2017–2018: Ontario Arrows

The team was founded as the Ontario Arrows in 2017 with the intent of joining the Major League Rugby (MLR) competition for the 2019 season.[6][7][8][9] The Arrows debuted September 9, 2017, in a match against the Glendale Merlins losing 41–7.[10]

In spring 2018, the Arrows played a six-game exhibition schedule against the Houston SaberCats, Rugby United New York, Utah Warriors, and Boston's Mystic River Rugby Club. The schedule was extended to include games against the Canada Selects.[11] The Arrows' 2018 home opener was a decided victory over the Mystic River Rugby Club.

In July 2018, the Arrows announced that MLR had granted them exclusive rights to negotiate for a franchise in Ontario.[12] In November 2018, MLR announced that the Arrows had joined the league for the 2019 season. At the same time, the Ontario Arrows changed their name to the Toronto Arrows.[13] The ownership group is led by Bill Webb, partner and chief investment officer at Waypoint Investment Partners. The ownership group also includes the former general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs Brian Burke, Boat Rocker Sports (a division of Boat Rocker Media), Duncan McNaughton, an assistant coach with the Canadian women's team and the Queen's University men, Kevin Reed of AR3 Capital, and John Ferraro of Mass Marketing Inc.[14] As MLR operates as a single entity league, the ownership group purchased an equity stake in the league, at the cost of a few million dollars, and received operating rights to a franchise in the Toronto market.[14][15]

2019–2021: First MLR seasons

In the 2019 season the team split its home games between Alumni Field of York University and Lamport Stadium in its inaugural 2019 MLR season.[16]

After playing only five matches in 2020, the Arrows ceased play, along with the rest of the league, as the COVID-19 pandemic began. Due to border crossing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2021 season, the Arrows temporarily relocated to Marietta, Georgia, to share Rugby ATL's facilities at Lupo Family Field.[17]

2022–2023: Final seasons

For the 2022 season, the Arrows hosted their game against the LA Giltinis at Starlight Stadium in Langford, British Columbia, marking the first MLR regular season game to be held in the province. The remainder of their home games were played at the renovated York Lions Stadium, over 1,000 days after the team's previous home game in Toronto.[18]

On August 30, 2023, the Arrows announced the passing of president and general partner, Bill Webb.[19] Bill Webb's passing resulted in an outpouring of support from across the rugby world, including players, teams, leagues and foundations.[20] On November 27, 2023, it was announced that the Arrows would not compete in the 2024 MLR season.[21]

Broadcasts

For 2019, home games were shown on GameTV. Lincoln Rose and Kit McConnico were the on-air talent.

For 2020, TSN was announced as the Arrows broadcast partner.[22] Following the cancellation of the 2020 Major League Rugby season, TSN produced a 10-episode series, showing 60-minute highlights from chosen Arrows games, called "Arrows in an Hour."[23]

Sponsorship

Season Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor Other shirt sponsor(s)
2018 XBlades Waypoint Investment Partners Blackshire Capital
Dineen Coffee
360centre360
2019 Honda Canada Waypoint Investment Partners
2020–2021 Paladin Sports
2022 Coolbet Canada
2023 TIRF (Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation) Metro Supply Chain Group
Foundation Physiotherapy & Wellness

Players and personnel

Head coaches

  • Canada Chris Silverthorn (2019–2021)
  • Australia Peter Smith (2021–2023)
  • Australia Stephen Meehan (2023)

Captains

Team staff

As of January 2023, the members of the team staff are:[24]

  • Peter Smith — Head Coach
  • Rob Howley — Attack Coach
  • Francois Ratier – Defence & Skills Coach
  • Francisco Deformes — Forwards Coach
  • Cory Hector — Arrows Academy Director & Head Coach
  • Alex Lee – Head of Performance
  • Shane Cahill – Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
  • Richard Owen – Head Performance Analyst
  • Neil MacDougall – Team Manager
  • Scott Shannon — Head Athletic Therapist
  • Chris Chan – Senior Team Physiotherapist
  • Terri Jones – Academy Athletic Therapist
  • Dr. John Gillis – Head Team Physician
  • Chris Silverthorn – Director of Player Development

Front office

  • Bill Webb – President and General Partner
  • Tim Matthews – Vice President and General Manager
  • Rahul Srinivasan – Chief Commercial Officer
  • Mark Winokur – Co-Founder and Special Advisor

Records

Season standings

Season Conference Regular season Postseason
Pos Pld W D L F A +/− BP Pts Pld W L F A +/− Result
2019 – 3rd161105472362+11013571011730−13Lost Semifinal (Seattle Seawolves) 17–30
2020[lower-alpha 1] Eastern 1st540115189+62319––––––Cancelled
2021 Eastern 6th165011411412−11030––––––Did not qualify
2022 Eastern 4th16808414390+24941––––––Did not qualify
2023 Eastern 6th161213306601-295816––––––Did not qualify
Totals69292381,7541,854-100431631011730-131 postseason appearance

Notes

  1. ↑ 2020 regular season shortened and playoffs cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2018 season (exhibition)

All games in the 2018 season were exhibition games and did not count in the league standings.

DateOpponentHome/AwayLocationResult
March 3Houston SaberCatsAwayConstellation FieldDraw, 28–28
March 17Rugby United New YorkAwayMazzella FieldLost, 19–36
April 6Utah WarriorsAwayRio Tinto StadiumWon, 24–20
April 14Rugby United New YorkHomeYork Alumni StadiumCancelled due to weather
April 21Mystic River Rugby ClubAwayPine Banks ParkWon, 29–19
May 5Mystic River Rugby ClubHomeYork Alumni StadiumWon, 77–8
May 18Canada SelectsHomeYork Lions StadiumLost, 0–19
May 26Canada SelectsAwayWesthills StadiumLost, 28–58

2019 season

Exhibition

DateOpponentHome/AwayLocationResult
September 16, 2018Glendale RaptorsHomeYork Lions StadiumWon, 40–18
October 20, 2018New England Free JacksHomeWanderers GroundsWon, 40–14
January 12, 2019Rugby United New YorkNeutralBuffalo Bills FieldhousePostponed
May 18, 2019New England Free JacksAwayBrophy Field at Dartmouth's
Corey Ford Rugby Clubhouse		Postponed

Regular season

DateOpponentHome/AwayLocationResult
January 26New Orleans GoldAwayEagle Athletic FacilityLost, 31–36
February 8Austin EliteAwayDell DiamondWon, 23–19
February 17Seattle SeawolvesAwayStarfire StadiumLost, 30–35
February 22Houston SaberCatsAwayAveva StadiumWon, 44–27
March 2Glendale RaptorsAwayInfinity ParkLost, 0–22
March 10San Diego LegionAwayTorero StadiumWon, 27–20
March 15Rugby United New YorkAwayMCU ParkLost, 21–24
March 30Utah WarriorsAwayZions Bank StadiumWon, 64–31
April 7New Orleans GoldHomeAlumni FieldLost, 31–35
April 21Houston SaberCatsHomeAlumni FieldWon, 35–21
April 28Seattle SeawolvesHomeAlumni FieldWon, 29–7
May 5San Diego LegionHomeLamport StadiumWon, 23–19
May 9Austin EliteHomeAlumni FieldWon, 24–13
May 12Utah WarriorsHomeLamport StadiumWon, 28–21
May 26Glendale RaptorsHomeLamport StadiumWon, 40–12
June 2Rugby United New YorkHomeLamport StadiumWon, 22–20

Post season

DateOpponentHome/AwayLocationResult
June 9Seattle SeawolvesAwayStarfire SportsLoss, 17–30

2020 season

On March 12, 2020, MLR announced the season would go on hiatus immediately for 30 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[25] On March 19, 2020, MLR announced that they had cancelled the season and all remaining games for 2020.[26]

Regular season

DateOpponentHome/AwayLocationResult
February 9Austin GilgronisAwayCircuit of the AmericasWon, 38–10
February 16Houston SaberCatsNeutralSam Boyd StadiumWon, 27–22
February 22Seattle SeawolvesAwayStarfire Sports ComplexWon, 39–17
March 1Rugby ATLAwayLife University Running Eagles StadiumWon, 28–18
March 6Colorado RaptorsAwayInfinity ParkLost, 19–22
March 22Rugby United New YorkAwayMCU ParkCancelled
March 28New Orleans GoldAwayGold Mine
April 4Utah WarriorsHomeYork Alumni Stadium
April 11New England Free JacksHomeYork Alumni Stadium
April 19Rugby ATLHomeLamport Stadium
April 26Old Glory DCAwayCardinal Stadium
May 1New Orleans GoldHomeLamport Stadium
May 10San Diego LegionHomeLamport Stadium
May 18New England Free JacksAwayUnion Point Sports Complex
May 22Rugby United New YorkHomeLamport Stadium
May 30Old Glory DCHomeLamport Stadium

2021 season

Due to the Canadian federal government closing the border between the USA and Canada in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto relocated to Marietta, Georgia for the 2021 season.[27] Although intended to be for the start of the season, the ongoing pandemic meant that all of the Arrow's “home” games were played at Lupo Family Field, sharing the ground with Rugby ATL for the season.

Regular season

DateOpponentHome/AwayResult
March 20Rugby ATLAwayLost, 14–21
March 27Utah WarriorsAwayLost, 24–39
April 3Old Glory DCAwayWon, 40–19
April 10LA GiltinisHomeLost, 16–43
April 17Seattle SeawolvesHomeWon, 52–7
April 25Rugby United New YorkAwayWon, 53–12
May 2New Orleans GoldAwayLost, 14–22
May 9Rugby ATLHomeLost, 29–33
May 15Houston SaberCatsAwayWon, 19–10
May 29New England Free JacksAwayLost, 12–14
June 6San Diego LegionHomeLost, 30–40
June 12Austin GilgronisAwayLost, 47–21
June 20New Orleans GoldHomeLost, 12–18
June 27Rugby United New YorkHomeLost, 24–31
July 4Old Glory DCHomeWon, 34–28
July 11New England Free JacksHomeLost, 17–28

2022 season

Regular season

DateOpponentHome/AwayResult
February 6Seattle SeawolvesAwayLost, 8–21
February 11LA GiltinisHomeLost, 16–31
February 19New Orleans GoldAwayWon, 24–23
February 26Old Glory DCAwayWon, 29–5
March 12New England Free JacksAwayLost, 15–21
March 19Utah WarriorsAwayWon, 27–24
March 27Rugby United NYAwayWon, 14–10
April 2Rugby ATLHomeLost, 14–20
April 9Old Glory DCHomeWon, 32–27
April 16New Orleans GoldHomeWon, 53–36
April 23Houston SaberCatsAwayLost, 17–29
May 8Rugby United NYHomeLost, 17–41
May 14Dallas JackalsHomeWon, 57–0
May 19New England Free JacksHomeWon, 33–18
May 28Rugby ATLAwayLost, 23–34
June 5Old Glory DCHomeLost, 35–50

2023 season

Regular season

DateOpponentHome/AwayLocationResult
February 17Rugby ATLAwaySilverbacks ParkLost, 17–10
February 26Rugby New YorkAwayMount Vernon Memorial StadiumLost, 39–3
March 11Chicago HoundsAwaySeatGeek StadiumWon, 27–26
March 18Old Glory DCAwaySegra FieldLost, 29–3
March 25Utah WarriorsAwayZions Bank StadiumLost, 47–19
April 1Dallas JackalsAwayChoctaw StadiumLost, 14–11
April 8Rugby New YorkHomeYork Lions StadiumLost, 29–27
April 15New England Free JacksHomeYork Lions StadiumLost, 80–5
April 23Seattle SeawolvesHomeYork Lions StadiumLost, 36–27
April 30New Orleans GoldAwayThe Gold MineLost, 40–24
May 12Rugby ATLHomeYork Lions StadiumDraw, 34–34
May 18Old Glory DCHomeYork Lions StadiumDraw, 29–29
May 27New England Free JacksAwayVeterans Memorial StadiumLost, 57–20
June 3Houston SaberCatsHomeYork Lions StadiumLost, 48–26
June 11San Diego LegionHomeYork Lions StadiumLost, 50–17
June 17New Orleans GoldHomeYork Lions StadiumLost, 26–24

References

    1. ↑ "MLR Announces Additions of Toronto and Washington, D.C." usmlr.com. Major League Rugby. Retrieved November 2, 2018.
    2. ↑ "Toronto Arrows To Not Compete In 2024 Mlr Season". usmlr.com. Major League Rugby. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
    3. ↑ "Major League Rugby adds Ontario Arrows for 2019". Americas Rugby News. September 25, 2018. Archived from the original on September 25, 2018. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
    4. ↑ "Ontario Arrows: The Rise of Canada's Next-Gen High Performance Team". Aedelhard. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
    5. ↑ "Toronto Arrows To Not Compete In 2024 Mlr Season". usmlr.com. Major League Rugby. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
    6. ↑ "New York and Ontario in Major League Rugby talks". November 13, 2017. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
    7. ↑ "Ontario Arrows to launch Elite Rugby Team in September". August 25, 2017. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
    8. ↑ Davidson, Neil (September 8, 2017). "Ontario Arrows take first step toward becoming pro rugby outfit". Toronto Star. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
    9. ↑ "MLR reveals Finals Locations and Expansion Plans". March 7, 2018. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
    10. ↑ "Glendale gets even with Ontario – Americas Rugby News". www.americasrugbynews.com. September 10, 2017. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
    11. ↑ "Ontario Arrows score 12 tries in 77–8 win over Boston Mystics". djcoilrugby. May 5, 2018. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
    12. ↑ "Release: Ontario Arrows Planning Major League Rugby Entry for 2019". Ontario Arrows. July 16, 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
    13. ↑ "Major League Rugby Announces Additions of Toronto and DC". Ontario Arrows. November 2, 2018. Archived from the original on November 3, 2018.
    14. 1 2 "Toronto Arrows will join Major League Rugby". Toronto Star. November 2, 2018. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
    15. ↑ Campbell, Morgan (December 11, 2018). "Expansion Toronto Arrows join Major League Rugby with optimism and business savvy". Toronto Star. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
    16. ↑ "Toronto Arrows Announce Ticketing Details, Home Venues for 2019 Major League Rugby Season". Toronto Arrows. January 17, 2019. Retrieved January 20, 2019.
    17. ↑ "Toronto Arrows Club to Establish Temporary Home in Atlanta". OurSports Central. February 3, 2021.
    18. ↑ "ARROWS ANNOUNCE 2022 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE". Toronto Arrows. November 9, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
    19. ↑ "Toronto Arrows Mourn the Passing of President and General Partner Bill Webb". Toronto Arrows. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
    20. ↑ "Honouring Bill Webb". Toronto Arrows. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
    21. ↑ "Toronto Arrows, Canada's lone entry in Major League Rugby, not playing in 2024". www.sportsnet.ca. November 27, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
    22. ↑ "Toronto Arrows Announce TSN as 2020 Media Partner". Toronto Arrows. February 20, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
    23. ↑ "Toronto Arrows Media Partner TSN to Deliver New 'Arrows in an Hour' Series". Toronto Arrows. May 28, 2020. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
    24. ↑ "Team Staff". Toronto Arrows. Toronto. January 19, 2023. Archived from the original on January 26, 2023. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
    25. ↑ "Major League Rugby Suspends 2020 Season for 30 Days". Major League Rugby. March 12, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
    26. ↑ "Major League Rugby has Decided to Cancel the Remainder of the 2020 Season and Turn Attention to 2021". Major League Rugby. March 19, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
    27. ↑ "Toronto Arrows to establish temporary home in Atlanta for start of 2021 season". Toronto Arrows. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
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