The Toronto Arrows signed Gene Syminton for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. The 25-year-old hooker (26 in April) is 5’11” and 230 lbs.
Gene is from Takapuna, New Zealand, and joins the team after playing for the Hawke’s Bay magpies the last two years in the National Provincial Championship where he made 3 appearances. he also made 5 appearances for the Manawatu Tubos between 2018 and 2020.
With Manawatu, he switched from playing a prop to a hooker. He also played for the College Old Boys in Manawatu Club Rugby. He also worked his way through the Manawatu Academy through the senior side.
Toronto Arrows Comments
“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.”
“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.”
Other Articles
DJCoil Rugby articles by Doug Coil are also available on Facebook. Other Social Media sites to follow or subscribe to include Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for interviews.
