TORONTO ARROWS HOME OPENER
(PHOTO COURTESY: Toronto Arrows)
April 5th, 2019
(TORONTO, ON)- Sunday will mark a historic day in Canadian Rugby history. After eight straight road games, the Toronto Arrows will finally play a game in front of their home fans. “It’s going to be a very big day for Canadian Rugby” said Bill Webb, President and Co-Founder of the Arrows. “The first professional game for a Canadian Rugby Union team in Canada, its going to be special.”
The idea of the Toronto Arrows came about two years ago. After seeing the success the Ontario Blues had at the Canadian Rugby Championships, Bill Webb and Mark Winokur, Arrows VP & General Manager, looked to bring the professional game to Canada, using their core group of Ontario Blues players to form the team. “We think it’s a huge moment. We desperately need this in Canada to be competitive in World Rugby” said Winokur. “Two years ago, people said this would never happen. Then they said well maybe it will happen. Now it is happening. We are really looking forward to having a lot of people there.”
The fans in attendance will see a battle tested Arrows squad. The team finished off their road half of the season with a convincing 64-31 win over the Utah Warriors, bringing their record on the season to 4-4. After playing in four other teams home openers, Arrows players are excited to finally feel some fan support. “There is nothing like playing in a game in your hometown in front of what I’m sure will be an electric crowd” said Lucas Rumball, Co-captain of the Toronto Arrows. I’m sure Toronto will bring the noise and bring the numbers” added Rumball. Both Rumball and fellow Co-Captain Dan Moor are from Toronto. They are two of the 28 Ontario born players on the squad. For Moor, running out on the field in his hometown will bring on similar emotions. “This team is very special in terms of the guys we have, the character, the different mix of interesting personalities” said Moor. “To be able to run out in front of friends and family and put on a shirt with this group of guys, it will be something special.”
It will be a proud and historic day for Canadian Rugby on Sunday. For those like Mark Winokur, who have been involved with Arrows since it was just an idea, the day will mean a little extra. “To take something that was considered a pipe dream by many and make it happen, I’m not going to lie that will be a big moment for everyone involved.”
The Toronto Arrows and the NOLA Gold will kick-off their game Sunday at 2pm ET at York Alumni Stadium. To purchase tickets, visit the Toronto Arrows website . The match can also be seen on Game TV.
ABOUT RUGBY ONTARIO
Rugby Ontario is the provincial sports governing body responsible for the organization of rugby in Ontario. Our mission is to establish a stronger identity for rugby in Ontario by promoting the sport’s core values and by fostering a culture of inclusiveness and excellence on and off the field of play.
To learn more, visit https://www.rugbyontario.com/
ABOUT THE TORONTO ARROWS
The Toronto Arrows Rugby Club is the first professional rugby union team in Canada. The team competes in Major League Rugby and is committed to providing emerging Canadian talent with enhanced and more frequent opportunities to hone their skills at an elite level.
For more information visit: https://torontoarrows.com
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Dalton Finkbeiner
Communications and Marketing Coordinator - Rugby Ontario
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