Arrows Announce Lineup for Final Homestand Opener Against SaberCats

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO, ON – Toronto Arrows Head Coach Peter Smith has named his starting lineup for Saturday’s home clash against the Houston SaberCats.

There’s just one week-over-week change in the forwards, with James O’Neill entering the pack at flanker.

The backs feature three alterations: Ross Braude returns from injury to start at scrum-half, and the Canadian international is joined by the fresh winger duo of D’Shawn Bowen and Ciaran Breen.

The starting lineup features 12 Canadian / Canada-eligible domestic players.

Saturday’s game – the first match of a three-game homestand to close out the current campaign – will kick off at 7 p.m. ET from York Lions Stadium, with tickets starting at $20.

The cross-conference clash will be shown on TSN2, TSN.ca, and the TSN app for Canadian audiences and will be available on The Rugby Network for American and international audiences. Additional broadcast details.

The Arrows hold a 4-1 all-time record against the SaberCats.

Toronto Arrows Lineup vs. Houston SaberCats:

1. Connor Grindal
2. Ramon Ayarza
3. Tyler Rowland
4. Mason Flesch
5. Shay Kerry
6. Lucas Rumball (C)
7. James O’Neill
8. Travis Larsen
9. Ross Braude
10. Peter Nelson
11. D’Shawn Bowen
12. Liam Bowman
13. Tautalatasi Tasi
14. Ciaran Breen
15. Shane O’Leary
16. Jack McRogers
17. Conan O’Donnell
18. Isaac Salmon
19. Hank Stevenson
20. Owain Ruttan
21. Will Grant
22. Dawson Fatoric
23. Fabian Goodall

Injury / Recovery List: Cole Davis, Mitch Eadie, Lolani Faleiva, Nik Hildebrand, Sam Malcolm, Avery Oitomen, Noel Reid, Mitch Richardson, Gene Syminton, Corey Thomas, Adrian Wadden, Tyler Wong

Long-Term Injured Reserve: Nic Benn, Micaiah Torrance-Read

Squad Notes:

• Nine squad members are full Canadian internationals: Ross Braude (12 caps), Dawson Fatoric (2 caps), Mason Flesch (2 caps), Jack McRogers (1 cap), Peter Nelson (15 caps), Shane O’Leary (14 caps), Tyler Rowland (9 caps), Lucas Rumball (47 caps), Owain Ruttan (1 cap)
• Ramon Ayarza (12 caps) is a full Chilean international

Week 16 Milestone Watch:

• 25 – Mason Flesch is poised to earn his 25th club cap, becoming the 19th Arrow to reach this career milestone

About Toronto Arrows Rugby Football Club:

Established in 2018, the Toronto Arrows Rugby Football Club is Canada’s first and only professional rugby union team.

Competing in Major League Rugby, the team is equipped to compete against top-tier North American professional club teams, 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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For more information, please contact:

Brock Smith
Communications Manager
Toronto Arrows
[email protected]

Header Photo Credit: Kyle Gilmor