Major League Rugby Arrives in Westchester; New York Trounces Toronto, 39-3

MOUNT VERNON, NY (February 26, 2023) — The New York Ironworkers defeated the Toronto Arrows 39-3 this afternoon in their 2023 home opener at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon.

Today was a day of firsts for Rugby New York. It was their first home match of the 2023 season, their first home game in Mount Vernon, and its first game as the “Ironworkers.”

Dylan Fawsitt had two tries. Brendon O’Connor, Nate Brakeley, Kaleb Geiger, Faasiu Fuatai and Eamonn Mathews each scored tries for the Ironworkers, who earned a bonus point for scoring four tries. Sam Windsor kicked three conversions and a penalty.

Kobe Faust kicked a three-pointer for the Arrows only points of the day.

Travis Larsen of Toronto was shown a Yellow Card.

Americas Rugby News has a more detailed account of the game here: Ironworkers blast through hamstrung Arrows in New York

The game was significantly delayed when Arrows players Ciaran Breen and Cole Davis collided in midair with a resounding smack heard all around the stadium. Davis landed hard, his head bouncing off the turf field, and lost consciousness.

Cole Davis eventually regained consciousness and was placed in a neck brace then strapped into a board before being lifted onto a gurney and taken by ambulance to an area hospital.

The Ironworkers played its season opened in Seattle on Saturday, February 18, losing 25-11.

After its win today, including a bonus point, New York is currently in a 4-way for first in the MLR East Conference.

Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard gamely patrolled the sidelines for the first-ever Major League Rugby match played at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon.

Memorial Field boasts just one of four rugby fields in the United States that meets World Rugby’s Rugby Turf Performance Specification for artificial playing surfaces which may be used in rugby.

Major League Rugby

Entering its sixth season, Major League Rugby is a professional sports league representing the highest rugby competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018 to 12 teams in 2023, featuring 11 from the United States and one from Canada.

The 2031 Rugby World Cup will be hosted by the United States.

MLR matches are televised on Fox Sports, among other national and local market platforms, including MSG Network. In addition, select matches are available to stream live in North America on The Rugby Network, and all matches are available on The Rugby Network for international fans.

Fans can follow Major League Rugby on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

New York will play Old Glory DC next Sunday in Mount Vernon.