Toronto Arrows Acquire Loose Forward Larsen from SeaWolves
September 16, 2022 – Major League Rugby (MLR) – Toronto Arrows News Release
TORONTO, ON – The Toronto Arrows announced today that the club has acquired No. 8 / blindside flanker Travis Larsen from the Seattle Seawolves in exchange for salary cap considerations.
Larsen, 31, returns home to Canada after spending the 2022 season and the latter portion of the 2021 campaign with the Seawolves. Prior to his time with Seattle, the loose forward enjoyed stints with the San Diego Legion (2021), Old Glory DC (2020), and Austin Elite Rugby (2019).
“I’m really excited to be back playing in Canada, and to be representing our nation by playing for Canada’s team in Major League Rugby,” said Larsen. “This is a big opportunity, and I really want to help the team win a championship and bring the MLR Shield north of the border.”
“I can’t wait to call Toronto home. Most of my wife’s extended family lives in Toronto, so having the opportunity to play in front of family and friends week in and week out will make for a pretty special experience.”
The six-foot-three, 240-pound forward has featured in 46 matches over his four years in Major League Rugby, showing strong defensive prowess with 359 tackles (94% completion) and 11 breakdown steals. On the attack, Larsen has produced 1,547 carry metres on 289 carries, 17 defenders beaten, 16 offloads, four linebreaks, and three tries.
Born on Vancouver Island and raised in Paihia, New Zealand, the duel-nationality player earned New Zealand Universities honours in 2012 while playing for Massey University. He began his professional career in Italy, playing for top division side Lyons Piacenza in 2014 before spending a season with Petrarca Padova the following year.
Larsen returned to Canada in 2016, training as a centralized player for Rugby Canada and earning the 2017 MacTier Cup with the British Columbia Bears. Prior to joining MLR, he featured for the Arrows throughout the club’s 2018 exhibition season.
The older brother of New England Free Jacks captain Josh Larsen, Travis represented Canada at the senior ‘A’ level between 2016 and 2018, most recently suiting up at the 2018 Americas Pacific Challenge.
“Travis is an original Ontario Arrow who brings experience and physicality to our back row,” said Mark Winokur, Toronto Arrows Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “He will fit right back in with our culture and gives us versatility across the back row that is very valuable. We are happy to welcome him back to Toronto.”
The club will be making additional signing announcements in the coming weeks as 2023 season preparations continue to build.
The window to place a deposit to secure 2023 season memberships for the lowest possible price is now open. Earlybird pricing packages for the club’s home matches at York Lions Stadium start at just $70 for a limited time only.
• Discuss this story on the Major League Rugby message board…
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.
