Arrows Rugby Set to Return to Toronto with Rugby Rally

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO, ON – It’s time to rally, Toronto!

Following an unprecedented span of 867 days between live matches in Toronto, the Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce that the long wait for live, in-person Arrows rugby in the club’s home city will soon be coming to an end.

On Oct. 16, 2021, the Arrows will host the club’s inaugural Rugby Rally event at York Lions Stadium, marking the team’s first match in Toronto since defeating Rugby United New York on June 2, 2019 to seal a playoff berth; the iconic Drop Goal Game.

The Rugby Rally will be headlined by a match between the Arrows XV and the Atlantic Selects. With several Arrows currently on international duty with Canada’s senior men’s team, the Arrows XV side will be comprised of many senior Arrows players and bolstered by Arrows Academy athletes and local standouts, while the visiting Atlantic Selects are poised to feature top regional players from the Maritimes, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec.

“After having to spend more than two years away from our incredible fans in Toronto, the Rugby Rally is all about our organization giving thanks to our passionate supporters for sticking with us throughout these difficult times,” said Bill Webb, Toronto Arrows President and General Partner. “We couldn’t wait until 2022 to play at home again. I think everyone would agree that we’ve waited long enough.”

“We’re rallying around our fans for their patience and loyalty, but in turn, this match will also be an opportunity for our fans to rally around our team and build some momentum as we head into the 2022 season.”

All Arrows Founders Club and deferred season ticket members are eligible to receive one complimentary ticket, by request, per membership. Founders Club and season ticket members will receive an email in the coming days with more information on how to reserve their seats, as well as an opportunity to invite friends with a discounted price.

The Rugby Rally presale window will start at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 17, while tickets for the general public will start at $10 and will go on sale at 2 p.m. that same day (Sept. 17). Fans are encouraged to create personal AXS ticketing accounts in advance of the sale in order to save time on securing seats when the Rugby Rally ticketing window opens.

[UPDATE: Tickets are now on sale, and can be purchased here.]

Fans will be able to enjoy locally-sourced food options from guest vendors, as well as all your favourite stadium staples. Activities include pre-match autograph signings by Arrows players, a live DJ, an inflatable fan zone for kids, and a very special announcement at halftime!

Gates will open at 4 p.m., with the Arrows XV and Atlantic Selects scheduled to kick off at 5:30 p.m.

“After playing 21 straight games on the road and feeling like an away team in all of them, we’ve definitely missed the roar of our home crowd these past two seasons,” said Mark Winokur, Toronto Arrows Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “Some of our players haven’t even had the opportunity to experience what it’s like to play in front of a raucous Toronto crowd yet, and the Rugby Rally will be their first taste of having home support behind them as a member of the Arrows.”

“Our Arrows XV will feature a strong mix of top senior players and players looking to put their hands up for our coaching staff to take notice heading into 2022 and beyond. Building off the great Ontario Blues / Atlantic Rock regional rivalry from the days of the Canadian Rugby Championship, we know the Atlantic Selects will come to Toronto motivated and hungry to renew friendly hostilities. The regional clash should have all the makings of great first match back for our fans.”

With the health and safety of the club’s fans, athletes, and team members serving as the organization’s top priority, all fans in attendance at the Rugby Rally will be required to show proof of full vaccination upon entry. Proof of a negative COVID-19 test will not be accepted for admittance, except for guests with a verified medical exemption. Please review the club’s Venue Health & Safety Guidelines for further information regarding safety measures, ticketing information, and the in-stadium experience at York Lions Stadium.

Additional event details will be announced in the coming days.

“We’re back, Arrows fans,” added Webb. “And we can’t wait to see you again.”

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]