Toronto Arrows Announce Signing of Canadian International Forward Thomas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO, ON – The Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce the signing of utility forward Corey Thomas for the 2023 Major League Rugby season, following the club’s recent acquisition of Thomas’ rights from the San Diego Legion in exchange for salary cap considerations.

Thomas, 28, is returning home to his adopted nation after spending the 2021 and 2022 MLR seasons with the Los Angeles Giltinis.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Arrows and playing professionally in Canada for the first time,” said Thomas. “In speaking with the Arrows staff, as well as several of my Canadian teammates over the summer and fall, it’s clear the club is dedicated to improving in all areas, and is working to build something special for 2023 and beyond.”

“Another major driving force in coming to Toronto is wanting to make sure I can spend more time mentoring the next generation of Canadian players. Not qualifying for the 2023 Rugby World Cup still stings, and I want to do my part to make sure we’re never in this position again, where we’re having to watch from the sidelines. Whether it’s working with aspiring Canadian boys on the Arrows Senior Team, or those looking to make the jump at the Arrows Academy or at the club level in the Greater Toronto Area, I want to give back to my country and help be part of the solution.”

Comfortable lining up across the second and back rows, the six-foot-four, 255-pound forward has featured in 25 matches (13 starts) over his two years in Major League Rugby, showing strong defensive prowess with 180 tackles (91% completion) and 314 ruck arrivals. On the attack, the hard-running Thomas has produced 794 carry metres on 116 carries, six defenders beaten, five offloads, and two tries.

Prior to making his move to MLR, Thomas began his professional career in Australia’s National Rugby Championship, first with his hometown Perth Spirit in 2014, and later with Brisbane City the following year.

Thomas then travelled to Japan, where he featured for two seasons apiece with both the Top League’s Canon Eagles and the Top Challenge League’s Kaimaishi Seawaves before earning a contract with Super League side Sunwolves in 2020.

The Australian-born Canadian international, who is eligible to play for Canada through his Edmonton-born father, has collected 11 caps (10 starts) and scored seven tries since making his international debut against England in July 2021.

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/

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For more information, please contact:

Brock Smith
Communications Manager
Toronto Arrows
[email protected]