Toronto Arrows Sam Malcolm 2023 Profile

The Toronto Arrows re-signed Sam Malcolm for the 2022 Major League Rugby season. The 26-year-old flyhalf/fullback is 5’9″, 180lbs, and is from Wanganui, New Zealand.

Sam was a key contributor to the Arrows in 2022. After re-joining the team last in the 2021 season, he played 170 minutes in 3 matches, starting twice, and scored 8 points from a try and a penalty goal.

Sam has featured in 24 matches (23 starts) for the Arrows between 2019 and 2021, and holds club records in several statistical categories, including points (220), conversions (58), penalty goals (32), goal kicking accuracy (85.7%), and kicking meters (3,239).

His career totals include 664 carry meters on 73 carries, 215 tackles (89.6% completion), 10 dominant tackles, eight tackle breaks, six offloads, three linebreaks, one breakdown steal, and one try. The New Zealander’s impressive performances throughout the club’s inaugural season landed him a spot on the All-MLR 2nd XV in 2019. The Kiwi also holds the distinction of being the only non-Canadian to captain the Arrows in an MLR match.

Following the 2020 MLR season, Sam signed with the Kamaishi Seawolves of the Japanese Top Challenge League.

Sam played over 1200 minutes in 16 matches for the Arrows in 2019, scoring 152 points, which was third in MLR. He made 181 tackles, which ranked fourth on the team. He also made 69 kicks for 2594 meters. Following the 2019 season, he returned to New Zealand and played for his fifth season with the Manawatu Turbos in the Mitre 10 Cup.

Sam played rugby 15s, 7s, and touch rugby while at Wanganui High School. He played for the Manawatu Under-19s, and Hurricanes Under-20s. He also was part of the New Zealand Under-20s extended training group and in 2014 trialed at halfback.

He played for both the New Zealand Universities in 2015 and the Hurricanes Development side in 2016. Sam attended Massey University, studying agri-commerce and playing with the Varsity Rugby Club.

From 2015-2018, Sam played with the Manawatu amateur side and with the Manawatu Turbos in the Mitre Cup. Sam made 10 appearances with the Turbos in 2018, starting 7 times, and has made 20 appearances.

Toronto Arrows Comments

Malcolm, 26, will be back with the Arrows for a fifth campaign after featuring in 37 matches (36 starts) for the club since its inaugural season in 2019.

“I’m stoked to be back with the Arrows for the 2023 season,” said Malcolm. “I hold a lot of value for the memories I’ve shared alongside this club and the people involved.”

“Fundamentally it’s about working better collectively to achieve the outcomes we want. There’s a plan in place for 2023 and I’m bloody excited to build on some unfinished business.”

The five-foot-nine, 180-pound back holds club records in several statistical categories, including points (320), conversions (78), penalty goals (52), goal kicking accuracy (81.8%), and kicks in play (164).

The 2022 vice-captain booted an even 20 penalties and 20 conversions across last year’s MLR season, marking the second time the club’s all-time points leader has reached the 100-point milestone in an MLR campaign. Malcolm’s 320 total points rank third on MLR’s all-time points list, sitting only behind Sam Windsor (491) and Joe Pietersen (420).

Malcolm’s career totals also include 1,214 carry metres on 140 carries, 353 tackles (87.8% completion), 12 dominant tackles, 24 tackle breaks, 13 offloads, six line breaks, and two breakdowns steals, and one try. Arrow #10’s impressive performances have earned him spots on two end-of-season All-MLR teams: the back picked up 2nd XV and Honourable Mention honours in 2019 and 2022, respectively.

The Kiwi holds the distinction of being the only non-Canadian to captain the Arrows in an MLR match.

“Sammy is a total pro and plays with courage and conviction every week,” said Mark Winokur, Toronto Arrows Chief Operating Officer, and General Manager. “We are very happy to have him continue as a key member of our organization both on and off the field.”