Arrows Announce Return of Franchise Points Leader Malcolm
September 18, 2023 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
Toronto Arrows News Release
TORONTO, ON - The Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce that fly-half Sam Malcolm is returning to the club for the 2024 Major League Rugby season.
Malcolm, 27, will be back with the Arrows for a sixth campaign after featuring in 45 matches (42 starts) - the sixth-highest appearance tally in franchise history - for the club since its inaugural season in 2019.
"My link to this club runs deep and I'm looking forward to embracing the challenge in 2024 alongside exciting new additions and strong returning members," said Malcolm. "Bill left big shoes to fill and while it's important we respect and honour his legacy, at the same time, we move forward and keep grounded, as Bill would expect us to do."
"The pain from last season is a powerful motivator and it's incumbent on us as a club to work together and respond."
The five-foot-nine, 180-pound back holds club records in several statistical categories, including points (370), conversions (83), penalty goals (61), and goal kicking accuracy (80.4%).
Malcolm's 370 total points rank third on MLR's all-time points list, sitting only behind Sam Windsor (549) and Joe Pietersen (420). His career totals also include 1,608 carry metres on 188 carries, 395 tackles, 12 dominant tackles, 34 defenders beaten, 16 offloads, six linebreaks, three tries, and two breakdown steals.
Arrow #10's impressive performances have earned him spots on two end-of-season All-MLR teams; the back picked up 2nd XV and Honourable Mention honours in 2019 and 2022, respectively. He's also been named MLR Player of the Week on two occasions (2019, 2023).
Though Malcolm was limited to just eight matches in 2023 due to injuries, his season was highlighted by producing one of the greatest single-game performances in MLR history when he scored a 27-point full house to lead the Arrows to a 27-26 win over the Chicago Hounds on March 11, 2023.
A longtime member of the club's leadership group, the Kiwi also holds the distinction of being the only non-Canadian to captain the Arrows in a MLR match.
"We're very excited to be welcoming Sam back for a sixth year with the club," said Tim Matthews, Toronto Arrows Vice President and General Manager. "Having been with us since day one, Sam is a foundational part of our organization. He's driven, carries a quiet confidence that his teammates respect, and is the type of player that leads by example, day in and day out."
Malcolm originally arrived at the club ahead of the 2019 MLR season from New Zealand National Provincial Championship side Manawatu, where he played between 2015 and 2019. He also enjoyed a two-season stint in Japan with Kamaishi Seawaves from 2020 to 2021.
The club will be making additional signing announcements in the coming weeks as 2024 season preparations continue to build.
Major League Rugby Stories from September 18, 2023
- USA Eagle, Joe Taufete'e Joins Seattle Seawolves in Trade - Seattle Seawolves
- Arrows Announce Return of Franchise Points Leader Malcolm - Toronto Arrows
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
