Toronto Arrows Announce Signing of Canada-Eligible Centre Benn

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO, ON – The Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce the signing of Canada-eligible centre Nic Benn for the 2023 Major League Rugby season.

Benn, 21, will arrive at the club from Australian side Manly, where the fleet-footed back has been plying his trade in the Shute Shield.

“Ever since Major League Rugby came into existence and the Arrows started playing in 2019, it’s been a goal of mine to play in and play for Canada,” said Benn. “I can’t wait to get back to Canada and to start my MLR career in Toronto.”

The six-foot-two, 205-pound centre is currently in his first full year of playing in the senior team at Manly, though he was called up from the colts on four occasions across the Marlins’ 2021 campaign. Benn has helped lead Manly to a 10-0-8 record in 2022, scoring six tries in his breakout season after spending two years developing in the club’s under-20 program.

While his primary position is outside centre, the versatile back is also comfortable slotting in on the wing.

Benn will be designated as a domestic player through his Canadian eligibility, as his mother was born and raised in northern British Columbia.

“I spent about five or six years of my childhood living in Smithers, B.C., and I loved my time there,” added Benn. “Like so many Canadian kids, I grew up playing hockey, but when I moved back to Australia ice rinks were a little hard to come by, so I ended up swapping my skates for rugby boots.”

The Newcastle, Australia-born speedster played his grassroots rugby with Lake Macquarie, and in his last year of high school was chosen to represent his birth nation when he earned a spot on the Australian under-18 sevens team competing at the 2019 World School Sevens competition in New Zealand.

“Nic is an exciting Canada-eligible back who has been playing very well in the Shute Shield and we are very keen to see him over here next season,” said Mark Winokur, Toronto Arrows Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “He has a bright future in pro and Canadian rugby, and we can’t wait to get him started on that path.”

The club will be making additional signing announcements in the coming weeks as 2023 season preparations continue to build.

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/

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Brock Smith
Communications Manager
Toronto Arrows
[email protected]

Header Photo Credit: Manly RFC