A WASAGA Beach rugby player will take a step closer to playing for Canada after signing for the Toronto Arrows Academy from the Georgian Bay Titans.

Rielly Kirk, an 18-year-old student at Collingwood Collegiate Institute (CCI), has been selected for the Toronto Academy after starring for the Titans during their third-place finish in the provincial finals. After only taking up the game in Grade 9, Rielly also helped CCI to a regional title in 2019 when they beat Bear Creek 10-8 in the Simcoe County Athletic Association Championships final.

Rielly is a versatile rugby player who can play numerous positions in the scrum. However, for his new side, he will play predominately in the front row as a hooker.

Rielly told Georgian Sports News that he is excited for the challenge ahead: “It’s great. I’m training with some of the best coaches around and it is really helping me become a better player.

“It was a little nerve-wracking to begin with, but now I love it. It (Arrows Academy) pushes me to become a better player, and it gives me a chance to pick their brains a little bit.

Rielly would usually travel one or two times a week to Toronto; however, with restrictions still in place in the Simcoe Muskoka region, the preparation has been remote with workouts and games to study from home.

The CCI student added that he still wants to progress further and that the coaches at Georgian Bay Titans played a significant role in his success.

“The big dream is to represent Canada in the World Cup, but obviously, I would love to play professional rugby as it is booming around here now.”

“They’ve been hugely influential for me. At Georgian Bay Titans, the coaches got me into the game and taught me all the basics, and it all started from there.”

Georgian Bay Titans President Sean Rennie said the club is delighted that Rielly is taking the leap and hopes he can inspire others to improve their game.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with him for a couple of years. He is a great kid who is a workhorse and plays with a lot of passion.

“It’s amazing and feels fantastic. I think it’s good for everyone in the club because Rielly brings back everything he is learning out there when he comes back.”

For more information on the Georgian Bay Titans, visit georgianbaytitansrugby.com