Toronto Arrows Sign Canadian Sevens-Experienced Backs Bowen, Fatoric

The Toronto Arrows have announced the signings of wing D’Shawn Bowen and centre Dawson Fatoric for the remainder of 2023 Major League Rugby season.

Both players arrive at the club from Rugby Canada’s national men’s sevens program.

Bowen, 26, has been a regular for Canada’s sevens team for the past two international seasons. The winger made his World Rugby Sevens Series debut at Dubai in 2021 and has since gone on to feature at 10 stops on the circuit, scoring six tries in the process. He also represented Canada at the 2022 editions of the Commonwealth Games and the Rugby World Cup Sevens, which he did alongside new Arrows teammate Ciaran Breen.

The hometown Torontonian is a graduate of the Ontario Blues provincial program.

Fatoric, 24, has burst onto the international rugby scene over the past nine months. After a strong performance as a member of the Canada West Selects at the inaugural Coast to Coast Cup, the centre earned his first two caps for Canada’s senior fifteens team last summer – including facing Spain in his hometown of Ottawa – before shifting his focus to sevens. He debuted on the World Rugby Sevens Series at the Hamilton, New Zealand stop on the circuit this past January, and scored his first try the following weekend in Sydney, Australia.

Fatoric played his grassroots rugby with the Ottawa-based Bytown Blues and Barrhaven Scottish.

Both players are graduates of the Pacific Pride, Rugby Canada’s national development academy program.

“We’re pleased to welcome in two young Canadians who have experience playing at the highest levels for their nation,” said Tim Matthews, Toronto Arrows Vice President and General Manager. “These transactions serve as an example of the strong, collaborative relationship we share with Rugby Canada.”

“We are excited about what D’Shawn and Dawson will bring to the team and the overall environment.”