Arrows Announce Return of Fullback Breen
October 2, 2023 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
Toronto Arrows News Release
TORONTO, ON - The Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce that fullback Ciaran Breen is returning to the club for the 2024 Major League Rugby season.
Breen, 22, is back with the Arrows for his sophomore campaign after featuring in seven matches (six starts) across his first MLR season.
The six-foot, 200-pound back averaged 80+ carry metres per match throughout 2023, racking up 576 carry metres on 51 carries while chipping in 29 tackles, 21 defenders beaten, two offloads and a try throughout his first professional season in North America.
"There's definitely a buzz going around while chatting to some of the returning guys about our goals and just the overall feeling going into next season," said Breen. "Everyone is super excited to get back to Toronto and to show what 'Arrows Rugby' truly is when we play next year."
Breen also acknowledged Bill Webb, the organization's late owner.
"The passing of Bill, while still deeply saddening, is something that will unite us, make us stronger, and give us something extra special to fight for when we throw on that jersey. We know he'll be there with us along the entire journey."
Breen first arrived at the club after spending several months with Canada's men's sevens program, highlighted by appearances at both the Commonwealth Games and the Rugby World Cup Sevens in summer 2022.
He began his professional career with French side Biarritz Olympique's academy in 2019.
Following a year spent back home at the start of the pandemic, Breen was again extended an offer to develop his game in France, this time on a senior academy contract with Carcassonne signed in 2021; his professional debut in Pro D2 soon followed.
Breen's bow for Canada on the World Rugby Sevens Series came shortly thereafter, with the speedy back earning national team call-ups for both stops on the abbreviated 2021 circuit.
Following the 2023 MLR campaign, Breen earned a call-up to the Canadian national side for its August tour to Fiji and Tonga. He previously represented Canada at the under-20 level as an under-ager in 2020.
"Ciaran is a creative, versatile back who loves making things happen on the pitch," said Tim Matthews, Toronto Arrows Vice President and General Manager. "He had a solid first season with the club as he adapted to the league, and he's poised for bigger and better in 2024."
"At just 22, he's part of the next crop of young Canadians coming into their own, and we're looking forward to seeing his game continue to develop."
Breen played his grassroots rugby with Cowichan.
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 2, 2023
- Hounds Sign Scrum Half Nick McCarthy - Chicago Hounds
- Arrows Announce Return of Fullback Breen - 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.
