Arrows Announce Return of Canadian International Centre Richardson
September 20, 2023 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
Toronto Arrows News Release
TORONTO, ON - The Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce that centre Mitch Richardson has re-signed with the club for the 2024 Major League Rugby season.
Richardson, 27, is returning to the Arrows for a sixth campaign after featuring in 38 matches (28 starts) for the club since its inaugural season in 2019.
"I'm very excited to come back for another season with the Arrows," said Richardson. "I'm looking forward to the challenge of overcoming last season in our push for the Shield this year."
The midfielder also acknowledged Bill Webb, the organization's late owner.
"Bill was a massive part in rugby in Canada, and his loss is one we all deeply feel. As Arrows, it is our duty - both this season, and in perpetuity - to honour his legacy by continuing to help grow the sport of rugby for our country, our fans and ourselves."
The six-foot-two, 215-pound back featured in (and started) 12 matches across the 2023 campaign and was among the team leaders in several offensive and defensive categories, including defenders beaten (team leader - 26), carry metres (second - 913), tackles (second - 132), offloads (second - 14), linebreaks (second - five), tries (third - four), and carries (fourth - 85).
Richardson's career year did not go unnoticed by his teammates, who bestowed Players' Player of the Year honours on the local product.
The Stoney Creek, Ont. native has posted 1,708 carry metres on 180 carries, 228 tackles (82% completion), 39 defenders beaten, 23 offloads and 11 linebreaks over his five years with the team. His eight tries rank sixth on the organization's all-time try-scoring leaderboard.
Richardson earned his first international caps this past August when he featured in both of Canada's matches against Tonga in Nuku'alofa. The midfielder previously represented Canada at the 2016 World Rugby Under-20 Trophy and Canada 'A' at the 2017 World Rugby Americas Pacific Challenge, and came through Rugby Canada's Pacific Pride national development academy program.
"Every year that Mitch has played as an Arrow, he's taken a big step in his game," said Tim Matthews, Toronto Arrows Vice President and General Manager. "His hard work and professionalism have seen him evolve into a top player in Major League Rugby, and we're very excited he's back with us for 2024."
While a one-club man in North America, Richardson also enjoyed a developmental loan stint at Scottish side Melrose prior to the 2023 MLR campaign.
Arrow #27 is a graduate of the Ontario Blues senior men's provincial program and the McMaster Marauders post-secondary program, and played his grassroots rugby with the Stoney Creek Camels and Burlington Centaurs.
The club will be making additional signing announcements in the coming weeks as 2024 season preparations continue to build.
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