Toronto Arrows Announce Return of Lock Wadden
October 20, 2022 – Major League Rugby (MLR) – Toronto Arrows News Release
TORONTO, ON – The Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce that lock Adrian Wadden has re-signed with the club for the 2023 Major League Rugby season.
Wadden, 26, is returning to the Arrows for a third campaign after featuring in 25 matches (12 starts) for the club since his debut in 2021. The second-rower is currently on loan at Hong Kong Premiership side HKU Sandy Bay as part of the Arrows’ professional development partnership with the Hong Kong Rugby Union.
“Getting to play at home in front of your family and friends is the best feeling in the world,” said Wadden. “I’m excited to be back, and I can’t wait for the opportunity to do it again next year.”
“Hong Kong is an amazing city, and getting the opportunity to travel and see places like this is one of the reasons I love rugby. It’s been a good start to the Hong Kong Premiership season with Sandy Bay and it’s a great club to be a part of. I’m looking forward to continuing to develop my game here, and to hopefully hit the ground running when I get back home to Toronto for the 2023 MLR season.”
The six-foot-six, 245-pound forward has produced 503 carry metres on 97 carries, 117 tackles (83% completion), 307 ruck arrivals, 10 tackle breaks, six offloads, three linebreaks and one try over his first two seasons with the club.
The native of Mississauga, Ont. has made several international appearances for Canada in recent years, including national development team selections to Canada ‘A’ (2016 and 2017 Americas Pacific Challenge; 2016 UK / Ireland tour) and the Canada Selects (2018 France tour). He also represented Canada at two World Rugby Under-20 Trophy tournaments, first as an under-ager in 2015, and again in 2016.
Wadden originally joined the Arrows following the completion of his successful three-year spell at Leeds Beckett University in England’s BUCS Super Rugby competition.
Arrow #49 is a graduate of the Ontario Blues provincial program, and participated in two seasons of Ontario University Athletics rugby with the McMaster Marauders (2014, 2015) prior to becoming a nationally-carded athlete. He played his grassroots rugby with the Oakville Crusaders.
“Adrian has his best rugby ahead of him and will push hard for a starter’s shirt every week,” said Mark Winokur, Toronto Arrows Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “His experience in Hong Kong will really get him ready for that next step.”
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.
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