Toronto Arrows, Hong Kong Rugby Union Enter Professional Development Partnership
September 6, 2022 – Major League Rugby (MLR) – Toronto Arrows News Release
TORONTO, ON – The Toronto Arrows Rugby Football Club is pleased to announce that it has entered a professional development partnership with the Hong Kong Rugby Union.
The partnership, which features an exchange program between the two organizations, will see Arrows players earn development opportunities in Hong Kong’s Dettol Men’s Premiership; conversely, the Pacific city’s top young players also stand to gain experience with the Arrows in Major League Rugby.
The first player to benefit from the new partnership is lock Adrian Wadden, who has signed with HKU Sandy Bay for the upcoming Dettol Men’s Premiership season.
The Mississauga, Ont. native has featured in 25 matches for the Arrows over his first two seasons with the club, posting 503 carry metres, 117 tackles and a try since making his MLR debut in 2021.
“Adrian is a good young prospect at a position of need for us, and we are excited to work with the HKRU on a great development opportunity for both parties – ideally, a model for future collaboration,” said Mark Winokur, Toronto Arrows Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “With the Hong Kong Premiership and Major League Rugby competitions running complementary schedules throughout the year, there’s a great runway for both organizations to work together year-round in a mutually beneficial manner.”
“This partnership is a strong example of how the Arrows are striving to be leaders in Major League Rugby in terms of offering personal and professional development opportunities to players. We see plenty of long-term potential in these types of pacts, and we hope Adrian is the first of many Arrows to gain valuable experience abroad and return to Major League Rugby as a stronger, more dynamic player.”
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