Toronto Arrows Announce Signing of Mississauga Lock Wadden

3 June 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO, ON – The Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce the signing of lock Adrian Wadden, marking the club’s first signing ahead of the 2021 Major League Rugby season.

The 24-year-old joins the Arrows following the completion of his successful three-year spell at Leeds Beckett University (England), where the Mississauga native was a standout in the BUCS Super Rugby league.

“I’m very excited to be joining up with the Arrows, and to continue my career with my hometown team,” said Wadden. “The team had created some strong momentum before the 2020 season was cut short, and I’m hoping to help build on the great foundation that’s been established here in Toronto.”

“It’ll also mean a lot to play in front of friends and family, as I haven’t had many opportunities to do that much over the past five years. I can’t wait to get started.”

Wadden has made several international appearances for Canada in recent years, including national development team selections to Canada ‘A’ (2016 and 2017 Americas Pacific Challenge; 2016 UK / Ireland Tour) and the Canada Selects (2018 France Tour). The 6’5”, 240-pound lock was also selected to Canada’s Under-20 squad in both 2015 (as an under-ager) and 2016.

“Adrian is a strong Canadian prospect with versatile skillset, and his impact can be felt all across the pitch,” said Arrows Vice President and General Manager Mark Winokur. “When you look at his body of work in the BUCS Super Rugby league, he was consistently a top performer, and after playing strong competition week in and week out, Adrian should transition nicely to the rigours of Major League Rugby. We’re glad to have him come home, and we know he’s ready to hit the ground running.”

Like many of his Arrows teammates, Wadden is a graduate of the Ontario Blues provincial program. Wadden also played two seasons of Ontario University Athletics rugby with the McMaster Marauders (2014, 2015) prior to becoming a nationally-carded athlete and moving to Rugby Canada’s central hub in Langford, B.C.

Wadden played his grassroots rugby with the Oakville Crusaders.

The Arrows will be making additional signing announcements in the coming weeks as the club ramps up preparations for its 2021 season.

About Toronto Arrows Rugby Football Club:

The Toronto Arrows Rugby Football Club is Canada’s first professional rugby union team.

Competing in Major League Rugby, the team is equipped to compete against top-tier North American 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
416-846-3228
[email protected]