Arrows Scrum-Half Mackenzie Announces Retirement from Professional Rugby

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO, ON – Toronto Arrows scrum-half Jamie Mackenzie – Arrow #36 – has officially announced his retirement from professional rugby following a memorable 12-year career as a Canadian senior rugby mainstay.

 

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Mackenzie, 32, made 10 appearances (six starts) over his three years with the Arrows. He opened his Major League Rugby career by helping his team secure a postseason berth, featuring in eight matches throughout the Arrows’ inaugural season in 2019. After appearing in two games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, and despite months of strenuous rehab working to overcome a long-term hip injury, the scrum-half was unable to fully recover in time to get game action in 2021.

“With some of the injury issues I’ve had, I’ve done some reflecting over the past few weeks, and I’ve decided that I’m going to hang up the boots,” Mackenzie told the MLR Kickoff podcast November 4. “It’s exciting, disappointing, upsetting, but I’m happy about the decision and I’m looking forward to the next chapter.”

Mackenzie’s MLR totals include 104 carry metres on 26 carries, 47 tackles (87% completion), 38 kicks in play (900 kicking metres), eight offloads, one breakdown steal, and one try.

The half-back earned 21 caps for Canada over his decade-long international career, which began against Belgium in November 2010 and culminated in a World Cup clash against eventual champions South Africa in October 2019.

Mackenzie represented the red and white at three Rugby World Cups (2011, 2015, 2019); alongside his brother Phil, the Mackenzies notably became the first set of Canadian brothers to start a World Cup match together when they lined up alongside one another against Italy in 2015. He also suited up for Canada at the 2008 IRB Junior World Championship in Wales.

“It was a dream come true playing for both Canada and my hometown team, and it’s been a privilege to have been involved in the game as long as I have,” said Mackenzie. “I’d like to thank my teammates and staff, both past and present. I’m grateful to so many who made my career possible and helped me on my journey from youth rugby to my time in Major League Rugby. Thank you to my family for supporting me with so much love and enthusiasm.”

 

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Prior to joining the Arrows, Mackenzie gained his first exposure to professional rugby through a two-season stint with Esher in the RFU Championship between 2010 and 2012. Upon returning to Canada, he became a MacTier Cup winner with the Ontario Blues in three consecutive Canadian Rugby Championship seasons (2012-2014), as well as a runner-up in 2015. Following a two-year break from the competition, Mackenzie returned to the CRC in 2018 with the Atlantic Rock, helping guide the east-coast side to a runner-up finish in the final year the tournament was held.

Mackenzie is also a graduate the University of Victoria Vikes post-secondary program, and played his grassroots rugby with the Oakville Crusaders and Balmy Beach.

“Congratulations to Jamie on a storied career,” said Mark Winokur, Toronto Arrows Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “Few players have been as engrained in Canadian rugby at all levels – from grassroots, to provincial, to national, and finally to professional – over the past decade. His commitment and contribution to the sport in our country has been deep and admirable.”

“While we will miss his talent and leadership on the pitch and in our locker room, we want to congratulate him on an exceptional body of work,” said Bill Webb, Toronto Arrows President and General Partner. “We know Jamie won’t stray far from the game he loves, and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue to make a positive impact on our community in the years to come.”

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: Norma Salinas