Arrows Acquire Waitokia from Rugby ATL
August 14, 2023 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
Toronto Arrows News Release
TORONTO, ON - The Toronto Arrows announced today that the club has acquired outside back Te Rangatira Waitokia from Rugby ATL in exchange for 2024 salary cap considerations.
Waitokia, 27, arrives in Toronto after featuring in 42 matches (41 starts) for Rugby ATL over the past three Major League Rugby seasons, scoring 14 tries and racing for 3,350 carry metres on 309 carries. Statistically, the Kiwi's 2023 campaign was his most productive to date: he racked up eight tries, 1,166 carry metres on 111 carries, 110 tackles, 23 defenders beaten, seven offloads, and five clean breaks.
Prior to moving Stateside, Waitokia suited up for New Zealand National Provincial Championship side Manawatu for four seasons. He returned to the NPC in 2022 with Tasman before rejoining the Turbos ahead of the 2023 campaign.
The five-foot-eleven, 200-pound speedster has also represented NZ Universities and the All Blacks Sevens development side.
"Te has been one of the top backs in Major League Rugby over the past three seasons," said Tim Matthews, Toronto Arrows Vice President and General Manager. "His combination of speed, creativity, and durability makes him a very dynamic addition and he'll bring plenty to our group of backs this upcoming season. We're looking forward to welcoming him to Toronto."
Waitokia hails from Wanganui, New Zealand - the same hometown as Arrow #10 Sam Malcolm; the two were teammates for several years at Manawatu.
The club will be making additional signing announcements in the coming months as 2024 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/
Major League Rugby Stories from August 14, 2023
- Gold Trade Short to Seattle - NOLA Gold
- Arrows Acquire Waitokia from Rugby ATL - Toronto Arrows
- Devin Short Joins Seattle Seawolves in Trade - Seattle Seawolves
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