Toronto Arrows Announce Return of Utility Forward Flesch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO, ON – The Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce that utility forward Mason Flesch has re-signed with the club for the 2023 Major League Rugby season.

Flesch, 22, is returning to the Arrows for a third campaign after featuring in 13 matches (eight starts) for the club since his debut in 2021.

“Our team mindset remains the same as we prepare for 2023,” said Flesch. “As a group, we still have the same goal in mind, and that’s to win the MLR Shield. That’s what’s driving us forward.”

The six-foot-five, 245-pound forward has produced 195 carry metres on 27 carries, 79 tackles (83.2% completion), 137 ruck arrivals, two offloads, two tackle breaks, two breakdown steals and one linebreak over his first two seasons with the club.

Flesch’s 2022 MLR season was cut short due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament, limiting him to just the opening three matches of the year before undergoing season-ending reconstructive surgery.

“My rehab has been a long process but I’m finally starting to see big improvements with my strength and confidence,” added Flesch. “I’m very grateful for all the help I’ve received from my athletic therapists and strength and conditioning coaches for getting me to where I am right now.”

The native of Cobourg, Ont. has earned two caps for Canada since making his international debut against the United States in September 2021. He also represented Canada at the 2019 World Rugby Under-20 Trophy in Brazil.

Arrow #55 is an alumnus of the Ontario Blues junior men’s provincial program, Rugby Canada’s Pacific Pride national development academy program, and the Fleming Knights post-secondary program. He played his grassroots rugby with the Cobourg Saxons (Ontario) and James Bay (British Columbia).

“Mason is a very talented and promising back-rower and lock, and while his injury early in 2022 was a big setback, he has shown great professionalism throughout his lengthy recovery process,” said Mark Winokur, Toronto Arrows Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “We’re convinced he will be back to 100% fitness and firing on all cylinders, and we look forward to the athleticism and physicality he brings.”

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

The window to place a deposit to secure 2023 season memberships for the lowest possible price is now open. Earlybird pricing packages for the club’s home matches at York Lions Stadium start at just $70 for a limited time only.

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: Ben Weitz