Canada's Toronto Arrows to not compete in 2024 Major League Rugby season

Canada's only side in the Major Rugby League Toronto Arrows has withdrawn from the competition for the upcoming 2024 season.

The Arrows finished the 2023 season at the bottom of the table having managed a solitary win from 16 matches.

Their best performance in the competition came in their debut 2019 season where they finished third in the group stage before losing in the semi-final to the eventual champions Seattle Seawolves.

“It is with heavy hearts we formally announce that the Arrows will not participate in the 2024 MLR season,” Tim Matthews, General Manager of the Toronto Arrows, said.

“Despite extensive efforts, carrying on following the passing of Bill Webb was simply too great a challenge for the club to overcome.

"We are working with the League office and contracted players regarding next steps – and in the spirit of the club’s co-founder, we are also working with partners regarding the Arrows Academy and the continued development of Canadian rugby talent.

"To our fans, friends, partners and the broader rugby community, thank you for your support over the years".

They now follow the footsteps of Colorado Raptors, who withdrew from the competition in 2020 while Austin Gilgronis and the LA Giltinis were removed due to the 'the uncertainties surrounding their ownership'.

“We’re deeply grateful to the leadership of the Toronto Arrows who have cared so deeply about supporting and growing the game of rugby in Canada," added MLR CEO Nic Benson.

"Our immediate focus is on doing right by the Club and its players, as operations wind down.

“While this news is unfortunate, and we feel for all individuals associated with the Arrows organization, the health of MLR remains strong and we look forward to exploring options to bring a team back to Canada in the future.”