Arrows Announce Return of Canadian International Loose Forward Larsen
October 10, 2023 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
Toronto Arrows News Release
TORONTO, ON - The Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce that loose forward Travis Larsen has re-signed with the club for the 2024 Major League Rugby season.
Larsen, 32, is back with the Arrows after featuring in 10 matches (nine starts) across his first campaign with the organization.
The six-foot-three, 240-pound forward was a consistent performer in the Arrows lineup throughout 2023, producing 643 carry metres on 88 carries, 196 ruck arrivals, 106 tackles (91.4% completion), seven defenders beaten, four offloads and two breakdown steals throughout his first professional season in his home nation.
"There's no hiding from the fact that we didn't perform as well as we wanted to last year," said Larsen. "However, I couldn't be more excited and grateful for the opportunity to get stuck in with a great group of players and put out some performances that Canadian rugby supporters will be proud of."
Larsen arrived at the club after spending the 2022 season and the latter portion of the 2021 campaign with the Seattle Seawolves. Prior to his time in the Pacific Northwest, he enjoyed stints with the San Diego Legion (2021), Old Glory DC (2020), and Austin Elite Rugby (2019). Over his five seasons in MLR, Larsen has appeared in 55 matches and scored three tries.
Following his strong play throughout the 2023 MLR season, the native of Parksville, B.C. received his first international caps this past August when he featured in both of Canada's matches against Tonga in Nuku'alofa. The loose forward previously represented Canada at the senior 'A' level between 2016 and 2018.
Born on Vancouver Island and raised in Paihia, New Zealand, the dual-nationality player earned New Zealand Universities honours in 2012 while playing for Massey University. He began his professional career in Italy, playing for top division side Lyons Piacenza in 2014 before spending a season with Petrarca Padova the following year.
Larsen returned to Canada in 2016, training as a centralized player for Rugby Canada and earning the 2017 MacTier Cup with the British Columbia Bears. Prior to joining MLR, he featured for the Arrows throughout the club's 2018 exhibition season.
"Travis is a professional in every sense of the word," said Tim Matthews, Toronto Arrows Vice President and General Manager. "He is a well-respected team man, has excellent leadership qualities and plays the game with preparedness and passion each time he steps on the pitch."
"We're proud that Travis is now a capped Canadian international after his performances with us last year. He's a player who knows what it takes to win in Major League Rugby, and that he'll pick up right where he left off when the 2024 season ramps up."
Larsen played his grassroots rugby with James Bay and Meraloma in British Columbia, as well as with Marist North Harbour in New Zealand. Following the 2023 MLR season, he joined the coaching staff of the Aurora Barbarians' senior men's team, taking up the role alongside Arrows teammate and Barbarians head coach Jack McRogers.
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 10, 2023
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- Arrows Announce Return of Canadian International Loose Forward Larsen - Toronto Arrows
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