Toronto Arrows Announce Signing of Chilean International Hooker Ayarza
Published on December 30, 2022 under Major League Rugby (MLR)
Toronto Arrows News Release
TORONTO, ON - The Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce the signing of Chilean international hooker Ramon Ayarza for the 2023 Major League Rugby season.
Ayarza, 29, will arrive at the club having most recently featured for Soyaux Angouleme XV Charente, where the nine-year professional helped the French Nationale 1 side gain promotion to the Pro D2 following the 2021-2022 season.
"After coming off a couple of injuries, my body is now feeling great and I'm ready for a new challenge at a high level," said Ayarza. "I speak with [Arrows coach] Francisco [Deformes] regularly, and he got me considering a move to Canada. After chatting with him, Pete, and the Arrows staff about their plans for 2023, and seeing the team they've assembled in Toronto for the season ahead, I was convinced this was the right move. I want to join this project and win a Shield."
"My objective is to play for Chile at the World Cup next year, and playing in Major League Rugby will help give me that chance."
Ayarza began his near-decade-long career in France with stints as a member of Pro D2 side Carcassonne and Federale 1 outfit ROC La Voulte Valence before making the switch to Bayonne, where he enjoyed four years of plying his trade in the Top 14 and Pro D2.
After spells with Montauban and Anglet, the Chilean returned to his homeland to join Selknam for the 2021 Súper Liga Americana de Rugby season. Ayazra headed back to France that summer to join SAXV alongside his brother - and fellow Chilean international - Inaki.
"My roommate in Montauban was [Canadian international and Lindsay, Ont. native] Matt Beukeboom, and for years he's been encouraging me to come to Canada, that I'll love it there," added Ayarza. "I'm really looking forward to experiencing Toronto and joining the Arrows. The club has great ambition, and I'm eager to get started."
At the international level, Ayarza has earned 12 caps for Los Condores since making his senior debut against Spain in November 2013. He also represented Chile at two World Rugby Under-20 Trophy tournaments, first as an under-ager in 2012, and again in 2013.
Ayarza played his grassroots rugby in his hometown of Santiago, first with Prince of Wales Country Club and later as a member of Old Grangonian Club, before gaining additional amateur experience in New Zealand with Mount Maunganui and Sumner.
He is set to become the first Chilean to feature for the Arrows.
Major League Rugby Stories from December 30, 2022
- Hounds Agree to Terms with Pair of Forwards - Chicago Hounds
- Getting to Know the Chicago Hounds with James English & Sam Harris - Chicago Hounds
- Toronto Arrows Announce Signing of Chilean International Hooker Ayarza - 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.
