Canadian rugby internationals sign professional deals in England

Canadian rugby internationals Mason Flesch and Foster DeWitt have signed professional contracts with English rugby clubs.

Mason Flesch, a 26-year-old veteran with 26 Test appearances, has joined the Newcastle Red Bulls in England’s Premiership Rugby. Flesch joins the club through the end of the 2026-27 season following an undefeated season with the Chicago Hounds in Major League Rugby.

Foster DeWitt, a 30-year-old hooker and prop, has signed with Nottingham Rugby Club, which competes in CHAMP Rugby, England’s second tier. DeWitt joins fellow Canadians Spencer Jones and Shane O’Leary at the club. His move follows a period playing for Peñarol Rugby in Uruguay and the New England Free Jacks.

These signings are part of a new player pathway deal announced by Rugby Canada in September, which assists Canadian players with relocation costs, including flights and work visas, to compete in England.