Toronto Arrows Announce Return of Flanker O'Neill
August 16, 2022 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
Toronto Arrows News Release
TORONTO, ON - The Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce that flanker James O'Neill has re-signed with the club for the 2023 Major League Rugby season.
O'Neill, 24, is returning to the Arrows for his sophomore campaign after featuring in 10 matches (six starts) in his first MLR season.
"I'm excited to come back to Toronto and the Arrows organization," said O'Neill. "This city and fanbase welcomed me with open arms during my rookie season and I will always appreciate that."
"More than anything, I want to work hard to get positive results for this franchise. This team has the potential to do some special things for rugby in Toronto, but more importantly for rugby in this country."
Acquired via trade prior to the 2022 MLR season, the five-foot-eleven, 225-pound forward amassed 394 carry metres on 61 carries, 185 ruck arrivals, 79 tackles (84% completion), eight tackle breaks, seven breakdown steals, two linebreaks, one offload and one try over his first campaign with the club. Following the season, O'Neill was recognized with Club Man of the Year honours at the team's annual awards ceremony.
Prior to becoming a professional, O'Neill featured for Canada at two World Rugby Under-20 Trophy tournaments, first as an under-ager in 2017, and again in 2018 with the captaincy role.
The Cochrane, Alta. native is a graduate of the University of Victoria, where he notably captained his Vikes side to the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship title in 2019.
A graduate of Rugby Canada's national development academy program, O'Neill captained the Pacific Pride to a second-place finish in British Columbia's inaugural Coastal Cup competition last autumn. He also played his grassroots rugby with the Calgary Canucks.
"James is an outstanding young man and player, and his contributions to the club both on and off the field were very impressive last year," said Mark Winokur, Toronto Arrows Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. "We can really see the day-on-day improvement in his game in the pro environment and are excited to see how far down the track he can go this year."
The club will be making additional signing announcements in the coming weeks as 2023 season preparations continue to build.
Major League Rugby Stories from August 16, 2022
- Toronto Arrows Announce Return of Flanker O'Neill - Toronto Arrows
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