Toronto Arrows Cease Operations and Will Not Compete in 2024 MLR Season
It was shocking news for the Canadian rugby community, in particular MLR fans and Arrows supporters, as both the Arrows and MLR announced they won’t participate in the 2024 MLR season. The MLR went even further announcing the “Toronto Arrows will cease operations, effectively immediately”.
Thoughts go out to the players who had invested their immediate future in planning for a 2024 campaign with the Arrows in the MLR. I feel for Jamie Cudmore and family as he’s had so much upheaval in his rugby career since leaving France and coming back to Canada. Canada’s men’s XVs program needs Jamie Cudmore in a coaching position and if the Arrows can save the Academy and its structure, that will be one bright spot.
As far as the impact on the Canadian men’s XVs program, it might be an opportunity to rethink the strategy. MLR was never going to be the saviour of the men’s XVs program, both Canada and USA failed to make the World Cup with a strategy based mostly on the MLR. Canada had one team franchise to the USA’s 12 franchises, if MLR was the solution it would heavily favour the USA. There are Canadian players on the USA based franchises, New England having a strong Canadian presence.
It’s time for the leaders in the Canadian rugby community to put their minds and resources together to come up with a solution based on the realities in Canada. Curry Hitchborn’s Vancouver Highlanders concept may be the start in the right direction, the timing couldn’t be better, and many will be watching with extra interest now as the Canadian rugby landscape has just recorded a seismic event.
from MLR
Major League Rugby (MLR), which represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America, has announced the Toronto Arrows will cease operations, effectively immediately, and not compete in the 2024 MLR season.
MLR and the Arrows organization, together, explored all avenues in an effort to maintain the club’s presence in the League. Unfortunately, after exhausting all options, Toronto was left with no choice but to voluntarily withdraw from the league.
“We’re deeply grateful to the leadership of the Toronto Arrows who have cared so deeply about supporting and growing the game of rugby in Canada. Our immediate focus is on doing right by the Club and its players, as operations wind down,” said Nic Benson, CEO of MLR. “While this news is unfortunate, and we feel for all individuals associated with the Arrows organization, the health of MLR remains strong and we look forward to exploring options to bring a team back to Canada in the future.”
“It is with heavy hearts we formally announce that the Arrows will not participate in the 2024 MLR season,” said Tim Matthews, General Manager of the Toronto Arrows. “Despite extensive efforts, carrying on following the passing of Bill Webb was simply too great a challenge for the club to overcome. We are working with the League office and contracted players regarding next steps – and in the spirit of the club’s co-founder, we are also working with partners regarding the Arrows Academy and the continued development of Canadian rugby talent. To our fans, friends, partners and the broader rugby community, thank you for your support over the years.”
As MLR works through details of this transition, an announcement about player disbursement processes will be forthcoming, and an update for the 2024 MLR schedule will be provided at a later date. Toronto will be sharing updates on ticket refunds in the coming weeks.
from Toronto Arrows
from Rugby Canada
Rugby Canada is saddened to hear the unfortunate news that the Toronto Arrows will not participate in the 2024 MLR season.
Rugby Canada is saddened to hear the unfortunate news that the Toronto Arrows will not participate in the 2024 MLR season.
We join the greater rugby community in expressing our sympathy for all those impacted, including the Webb family, who have made immense contributions to rugby in Canada.
Our priority now is to work with the Canadian players and staff who are affected by this announcement to support them as they look to continue their professional rugby careers.