The Toronto Arrows signed Irish international back Noel Reid for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. The 32-year-old flyhalf/center (33 in May) is 6’1″ and 205 lbs.
Noel is from Dublin, Ireland, and attended St Michael’s College in Dublin. he played rugby there and was selected to the 2008 Ireland Schools, making two appearances.
He also played age-grade rugby for Ireland, playing in 2009 for the Under-20s in the Six Nations U20s Championship and the following year for the Ireland U20s in the IRB Junior World Championship. Next, it was playing with the senior development team, Emerging Ireland in 2013, and for the Ireland Wolfhounds in 2014. In June 2014 he made his lone appearance for the National Team in a test against Argentina.
Noel also played in the All-Ireland League for Clontarf. He’s played professionally since 2012 for Leinster in the PRO12/14, making at least 120 appearances through 2018. He played in the English Premiership with the Leicester Tigers in 2019-2020, and from 2020 through 2022 played with French Top 14 club Agen.
He joins the Toronto Arrows after playing with the London Irish in 2022.
Toronto Arrows Comments
“Major League Rugby is an exciting league on the rise, and the level of rugby is only getting better and better,” said Reid. “I’m now in a position in my career where I can pick an opportunity I truly want to take, as opposed to one I have to take, and the prospect of a season in North America and playing for a club like the Arrows is an opportunity that piques my interest.”
“I’ve never been to Canada before, but I’ve only heard fantastic things about both the city of Toronto and the Arrows organization. The more I’ve learned, the more excited I’m getting about making the move and kicking off the season.”
“I want to bring as much value to the team as I can, both on and off the pitch. I’ve played 11 seasons in Europe and have picked up quite a bit along the way, and I’m looking forward to using my experience from this side of the world to bring value to my new team and new teammates in Toronto.”
“Noel comes to us as a capped player from a top rugby power,” said Mark Winokur, Toronto Arrows Chief Operating Officer, and General Manager. “He has plenty of experience at the highest levels of club and international rugby, and can play several positions very well.”
“We are keen to see him fit into our backline this season, and we welcome a very solid citizen to the team room.”
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