Toronto Arrows Announce Return of Lock Sheppard
August 17, 2022 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
Toronto Arrows News Release
TORONTO, ON - The Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce that lock Mike Sheppard has re-signed with the club for the 2023 Major League Rugby season.
Sheppard, 33, is returning to the Arrows for a fifth campaign after featuring in 46 matches (39 starts) for the club since its inaugural season in 2019.
"I'm just excited that I get to another chance to compete for a spot on the team," said Sheppard. "Hopefully I can bring my experience to an already great crew of men and bring a championship to a city that truly deserves it."
"We've brushed off all the dust from living in Atlanta and won some great games last year. Now it's time to win even more."
The 2022 club captain notably leads the franchise in all-time carries (381) and dominant tackles (29), and his 10 tries are the most amongst forwards in club history. Sheppard has also accumulated 1,732 carry metres, 470 tackles (85.6% completion), 14 tackle breaks, 10 offloads, and six linebreaks over his four years with the team.
The six-foot-three, 240-pound forward's performances throughout the club's inaugural season landed him a spot on the All-MLR 1st XV in 2019.
Sheppard has earned 11 caps for Canada since making his international debut against Kenya in November 2018, starting five matches and scoring one try. He represented Canada at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Arrow #5 is a graduate of the Ontario Blues senior men's provincial program and the McMaster Marauders post-secondary program, and played his grassroots rugby with the Brampton Beavers and Stoney Creek Camels.
"Shep is an original Arrow and has always been a foundation block for any and all success the team has had," said Mark Winokur, Toronto Arrows Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. "His experience and leadership are very valuable in a young side and we are very pleased to have him back for 2023."
The club will be making additional signing announcements in the coming weeks as 2023 season preparations continue to build.
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