Arrows Announce Return of Canadian International Forward Flesch
October 16, 2023 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
Toronto Arrows News Release
TORONTO, ON - The Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce that utility forward Mason Flesch has re-signed with the club for the 2024 Major League Rugby season.
Flesch, 23, is returning to the Arrows for a fourth campaign after featuring in 27 matches (22 starts) for the club since debuting in 2021.
"I'm very grateful for the opportunity to come back to the Arrows," said Flesch. "The organization didn't have many ups through 2023 and I think all of us have put that season behind us."
"We're looking forward to building something new for our fan base and the legacy of our late owner Bill Webb."
The six-foot-five, 245-pound forward has produced 661 carry metres on 104 carries, 330 ruck arrivals, 183 tackles (83.6% completion), eight defenders beaten, six offloads, two linebreaks and two breakdown steals over his first three seasons with the club.
Flesch's 2022 MLR season was cut short due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament, limiting him to just the opening three matches of the year before undergoing season-ending reconstructive surgery. However, the forward bounced back in 2023 to post a career year that saw him feature, and start, in 14 matches across the campaign.
Internationally, the native of Cobourg, Ont. has earned four caps for Canada since making his test debut against the United States in September 2021. He recently suited up for Canada this past August, featuring in both of the national side's matches against Tonga in Nuku'alofa.
He also represented Canada at the 2019 World Rugby Under-20 Trophy in Brazil.
"It's been gratifying to see Mason's development path over the last few years," said Tim Matthews, Toronto Arrows Vice President and General Manager. "Coming off his injury in 2022, he worked extremely hard to get himself ready for the 2023 season, and those long days in the gym and training ground were all worth it - he was a horse for us last year. He was reliable and resilient, and he made a big impression on those around him."
"He's grabbed his opportunity at the club with both hands so far, and we're excited for Mason to continue developing and have a great career at the Arrows."
Arrow #55 is an alumnus of the Ontario Blues junior men's provincial program, Rugby Canada's Pacific Pride national development academy program, and the Fleming Knights post-secondary program. He played his grassroots rugby with the Cobourg Saxons (Ontario) and James Bay (British Columbia).
The club will be making additional signing announcements in the coming weeks as 2024 season preparations continue to build.
Major League Rugby Stories from October 16, 2023
- Hounds Sign Veteran Prop Zurabi Zhvania - Chicago Hounds
- Arrows Announce Return of Canadian International Forward Flesch - Toronto Arrows
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