Toronto Arrows Announce Signing of Kiwi Hooker Syminton
October 11, 2022 – Major League Rugby (MLR) – Toronto Arrows News Release
TORONTO, ON – The Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce the signing of Kiwi hooker Gene Syminton for the 2023 Major League Rugby season.
Syminton, 25, will arrive at the club from New Zealand side Hawke’s Bay, where the forward has been plying his trade in the National Provincial Championship.
“I can’t wait to start with the Arrows,” said Syminton. “Franny [Francisco Deformes, Toronto Arrows Forwards & Set Piece Coach and Hawke’s Bay Scrum Coach] got in my ear this season about how special an opportunity it is to play in Major League Rugby, and in Toronto specifically.”
“I really want to win a championship, and playing in Toronto gives me the best chance to accomplish that goal.”
The five-foot-eleven, 230-pound hooker is currently in his second season with Hawke’s Bay, and was a member of last year’s Magpies side that produced the NPC’s top regular season record.
Prior to joining the Napier-based club, Syminton spent three years with Manawatu, developing in the Turbos’ academy before earning a roster spot on the senior team.
“I got on the phone with Sam Malcolm [who Syminton had played alongside at Manawatu], and he had nothing but great things to say about the Arrows organization, and he’s really confident with the way the team is heading,” added Syminton. “It fired me up.”
“I’ve heard Toronto is an incredible, welcoming city with a fantastic reputation, and I’m looking forward to calling it home next year.”
Since returning home to join the Magpies, the local product has rounded out his rugby schedule with Taradale on the Hawke’s Bay club circuit; he notably helped guide the Maroons to the prestigious Nash Cup-Maddison Trophy double in late 2021 alongside Hawke’s Bay teammate and Arrow #70 Lolani Faleiva.
“Gene is a tough and gritty hooker who leads from the front and will bring physicality to our front row,” said Mark Winokur, Toronto Arrows Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “He’s a no-nonsense player who will fit in well with our culture on and off the field, and we are very excited to have him on board.”
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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