Bowman, Grindal Set for First Starts in Arrows' 2023 Road Finale
Published on May 26, 2023 under Major League Rugby (MLR)
Toronto Arrows News Release
QUINCY, MA - Toronto Arrows Head Coach Peter Smith has named his starting lineup for Saturday's away clash against the New England Free Jacks.
Following last week's comeback draw against Old Glory DC, the Arrows pack features a quartet of updates.
Connor Grindal, who is set for his first start for the club, has been tabbed to wear the number-one shirt and enters the front row alongside hooker Ramon Ayarza.
The recently-activated Shay Kerry returns from injury to start at lock, while club captain Lucas Rumball is back at blindside flanker.
Fresh off his try-scoring debut last Thursday, Liam Bowman gets the nod at inside centre to mark his first start for his hometown team.
There are two additional changes amongst the backs, with Will Grant and Kobe Faust drawing in at scrum-half and wing, respectively.
The starting lineup features 12 Canadian / Canada-eligible domestic players, with 19 Canadians selected for the matchday 23.
Saturday's game will kick off at 4 p.m. ET. The Eastern Conference tilt will stream on TSN+, TSN.ca, the TSN app, and The Rugby Network for Canadian audiences, and will be available on The Rugby Network for American and international audiences. Additional broadcast details.
The match marks the Arrows' final road game of the 2023 season; the club will end the campaign with a three-match homestand against Houston, San Diego, and NOLA in June.
Toronto Arrows Lineup vs. New England Free Jacks:
Connor Grindal
Ramon Ayarza
Tyler Rowland
Mason Flesch
Shay Kerry
Lucas Rumball (C)
Owain Ruttan
Travis Larsen
Will Grant
Peter Nelson
Kobe Faust
Liam Bowman
Tautalatasi Tasi
Ciaran Breen
Shane O'Leary
Jack McRogers
Nik Hildebrand
Conan O'Donnell
Hank Stevenson
James O'Neill
Cole Brown
Dawson Fatoric
D'Shawn Bowen
Injury / Recovery List: Ross Braude, Cole Davis, Mitch Eadie, Lolani Faleiva, Sam Malcolm, Noel Reid, Mitch Richardson, Isaac Salmon, Gene Syminton, Corey Thomas, Adrian Wadden, Tyler Wong
Long-Term Injured Reserve: Nic Benn, Micaiah Torrance-Read
Squad Notes:
Liam Bowman and Connor Grindal are set to make their first starts for the club
Seven squad members are full Canadian internationals: Dawson Fatoric (2 caps), Mason Flesch (2 caps), Peter Nelson (15 caps), Shane O'Leary (14 caps), Tyler Rowland (9 caps), Lucas Rumball (47 caps), Owain Ruttan (1 cap)
Ramon Ayarza (12 caps) is a full Chilean international
Major League Rugby Stories from May 26, 2023
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- Bowman, Grindal Set for First Starts in Arrows' 2023 Road Finale - Toronto Arrows
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