Toronto Arrows Announce Signing of Prop Hildebrand

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO, ON – The Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce the signing of Canadian prop Nik Hildebrand for the 2023 Major League Rugby season.

Hildebrand, 27, is returning to MLR after taking a year’s sabbatical from the professional game to focus on rest, recovery, and furthering his studies. The native of Nanaimo, B.C., had previously spent the 2021 season with the Houston SaberCats.

“I can’t wait to make my return to professional rugby and join the Arrows,” said Hildebrand. “To realize a childhood dream of being a pro rugby player in Canada is a special opportunity, and I want to make the most of it.”

“My body is feeling great, and after a year away from MLR, I’m really feeling the itch to get back and push myself at the highest level in North America. I love what Pete and the coaching staff are building in Toronto, and I’m really excited to be a part of it.”

The six-foot-one, 240-pound forward featured in 12 matches (four starts) over his tenure with the SaberCats, producing 134 carry metres on 27 carries, 33 tackles (91.7% completion) and 68 ruck arrivals.

Prior to joining MLR, Hildebrand gained experience with high-level sides abroad, suiting up for New Zealand’s College Rifles on the Auckland club circuit, as well as for the Limerick-based club Garryowen in the All-Ireland League.

Hildebrand is a graduate of both the British Columbia Bears senior men’s provincial program and the Pacific Pride national development academy, and played his grassroots rugby with Burnaby Lake.

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: Keith Killeen