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Avery Oitomen returns to Arrows after taking break to obtain degree in Wales

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Wing Avery Oitomen is shown in action for the Toronto Arrows against the Houston SaberCats on April 21, 2019, at York Alumni Stadium. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Toronto Arrows, Garry Coldwells

TORONTO — Wing Avery Oitomen is returning to the Toronto Arrows for the 2023 Major League Rugby season.

The 23-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., played for the Arrows in 2019 before stepping away to obtain a degree in sport management at Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales.

In his rookie MLR campaign, the six-foot-three 200-pounder scored six tries — second only to then-captain Dan Moor (seven).

Oitomen appeared in 11 matches, including eight starts, posting 453 carry metres on 39 carries with five line-breaks.

"Avery had an incredible debut season for the Arrows in 2019, scoring on his first touch in MLR and adding five more tries that year," Toronto COO and GM Mark Winokur said in a statement. "He has worked through school and is extremely motivated to hit the ground running in his return. Avery brings a big X-factor to the back line, and we’re excited to have him home and back in blue and white."

Oitomen, who represented Canada at the 2019 World Rugby Under-20 Trophy in Brazil, is a graduate of the Ontario Blues junior men’s provincial program and played his grassroots rugby with the Oakville Crusaders.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 3, 2022

The Canadian Press

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