TORONTO — The Toronto Arrows added size and experience Thursday, signing New Zealand forward Micaiah Torrance-Read for the 2023 Major League Rugby season.
The six-foot-five, 250-pound lock is currently in his third season with Manawatu, having made 25 appearances (22 starts) for the Turbos in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship (NPC) since 2020.
“Micaiah is a big, straightforward lock who does the type of work we are looking for and is a total pro in his approach to the game,” Arrows general manager Mark Winokur said in a statement. “We are very excited to welcome him to Toronto and see the dynamic he can inject into our forward pack.”
The 27-year-old Torrance-Read, whose first name is pronounced mih-KAI-uh, is a certified contractor when not playing rugby.
“I’m really looking forward to playing my rugby in Toronto,” said Torrance-Read. “From everything I’ve heard about the Arrows, the standout is that there’s a great culture within the club, and I’m big on team culture. There’s a great bunch of lads there, and I’m pretty keen to get involved and stuck in.
“I’m excited for just about everything that comes with becoming an Arrow — travelling to North America for the first time, experiencing the sights, taking in a proper Canadian winter, playing good footy, working hard, and hopefully winning a title.”
Torrance-Read spent five seasons in the Taranaki system prior to joining Manawatu. He has also played for Massey University.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 9, 2022
The Canadian Press
