Arrows Lock Sheppard Announces Retirement from Professional Rugby

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO, ON – Toronto Arrows lock Mike Sheppard – Arrow #5 – has officially announced his retirement from professional rugby following a memorable, decade-long career as a Canadian and Ontarian senior rugby mainstay.

 

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“I picked up a rugby ball at the age of 13, and at the time I could’ve never comprehended just how much this beautiful game would give me,” said Sheppard. “I’ve been incredibly lucky to play this game for almost 22 years, and while I still feel mentally and physically sound, it’s very important to me that I feel this healthy for the years to come. I can happily and confidently announce that my professional playing career has come to an end.”

“I can’t thank my parents Kathy and Alfred and my siblings Jacob, Rachel and Ben enough for all their support throughout the years. And to my partner Sam, who has only ever supported me and given me the confidence to go and live out this dream, thank you, love.”

“Thank you to the Toronto Arrows whom I’ve spent the entirety of my professional career and an especially large thank you to the fans who made every home game feel like a dream come true!”

“To every player I’ve played with and against, you taught me lessons along the way and helped sharpen iron against iron. To the coaches that pushed me to be better on and off the pitch, thank you.”

“I will carry my passion of the game through coaching and hopefully I can inspire the same love and dedication that this game has given to me into the younger generations.”

 

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The local product, affectionately known as “Shep” by teammates, club staff and fans alike, retires from the Arrows as the franchise leader in appearances (59), carries (424), and dominant tackles (30). His 10 tries are the most amongst forwards in club history.

A constant in the organization’s leadership group since its inception, Sheppard served as club captain throughout both the 2022 MLR season and the team’s 2018 exhibition campaign.

The six-foot-three, 240-pound forward’s performances throughout the club’s inaugural season, which helped the Arrows secure a post-season berth, landed him a spot on the All-MLR 1st XV in 2019.

The Brampton, Ontario native added 1,971 carry metres, 556 tackles (85.5% completion), 14 defenders beaten, 11 offloads, six linebreaks, and four breakdown steals over his five years with the team in the MLR era.

Sheppard produced several moments of magic over his career with the Arrows, but perhaps none were as powerful as the try he scored against Los Angeles on Feb. 11, 2022 in Langford, BC. Sporting his traditional big beard and a black eye, the captain charged down an errant clearance attempt deep in Giltinis territory to score untouched under the posts; after the cancellation of the 2020 season and the 2021 season spent based out of Atlanta, it marked the first try the club had scored on Canadian soil since 2019 – a span of 985 days. Sheppard’s jubilant roar after scoring, just before getting mobbed by his teammates, was the embodiment of three long years of pent-up emotion.

Internationally, Sheppard earned 11 caps for Canada after making his debut against Kenya in November 2018, starting five matches and scoring one try. He was crucial in helping his nation qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup and was duly recognized for his in-form play by earning a spot on Canada’s Rugby World Cup roster.

Prior to joining the Arrows, Sheppard was a key member of the Ontario Blues senior provincial program that won six MacTier Cup national championships between 2011 and 2018. He graduated from McMaster Marauders post-secondary program and played his grassroots rugby with the Brampton Beavers and Stoney Creek Camels.

 

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“Shep is a perfect example of what Arrows rugby is all about,” said Tim Matthews, Toronto Arrows Vice President and General Manager. “He has been an amazing teammate and consummate leader, helping establish a culture of work ethic and respect.”

“From day one, Shep has been the heart and soul of this club. Both on the pitch and in the community, he has led the way in giving back to the rugby community and our team’s passionate fans. The Toronto Arrows are a stronger organization for him having been here.”

“For every big moment in our club’s history, Shep has been there and has played a vital role,” said Bill Webb, Toronto Arrows President and General Partner. “He captained our side as we navigated our 2018 exhibition campaign, fully believing in this project and this organization. He was alongside us at the podium when we were officially announced as an MLR expansion team. He was a key part of our thrilling seven-match winning streak to earn a playoff spot in our first season. He led us through the excruciating 2021 pandemic season spent entirely abroad, and captained us for our long-awaited return home in 2022. Through thick and thin, Shep has been there.”

“Shep will always have a home at the Arrows, and on behalf of the entire organization, I’d like to thank him for his contributions to Canadian rugby. The imprint he’s left on our club, and on rugby in this city, province, and country, is indelible.”

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