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Toronto Argonauts

Argonauts kick into high gear with signing of former rugby pro

March 21, 2006 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release


Mississauga - The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of former rugby standout Jaco Booyens and will welcome him to training camp in May.

Booyens remarked, "I am excited to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this legendary organization. Being able to play as a professional in more than one sport is not only a dream come true but a challenge for me to learn and grow. As an eager football player with lots to learn from team mates and coaching staff, I am extremely excited and anxious to arrive in the great city I have heard so much about".

The punter/kicker caught the eyes of the Argonauts brass after trying out for the club last August. The South African native is best known for his time in Europe as a professional rugby player as a wing, fly half and fullback.

The versatile competitor has spent time with the U/21 Blue Bulls as well as the U19/U23 Falcons. He has also participated in the Lions Vadacom Cup and the SASSU (South African Student Sport Union) Rugby Tournament.

Jaco Booyens

Kicker/Punter

6'2", 200 lbs.

Rand Afrikaans University

Born: April 13, 1976

Johannesburg, South Africa

Non-Import

1st Year Argo / 1st Year CFL

Acquired: Signed as a free agent with Toronto on March 21, 2006

2005: Participated in workout for the Toronto Argonauts in August in Nashville, Tennessee.

2004: Participated in workout with Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) in February...Participated in workouts for various NFL clubs in April.

2003: Participated in personal workout with St. Louis Rams in July.

2002: Played in the SASSU (South African Student Sport Union) Rugby Tournament.

2000-2001: Played wing and fullback for the Lions Vadacom Cup Squad.

1997-1998: Played wing, fly half and fullback for the U19/U23 Falcons as well as the Falcons Senior Currie Cup Squad.

1995-1996: Played wing and fullback fir the U/21 Blue Bulls Squad

College: Attended and played rugby at WITS University (1995-1996), Rands Afrikaans University (1998-2000) on a rugby scholarship and transferred to Middle Tennessee State University in 2003.

Personal: Jaco has been playing rugby since the age of four...Won the Rugby Player of the Year Award in both 1993 and 1994 while attending Hoogland Highschool in Brakpan...Was named Track and Field Athlete of the Year in 1993 and 1994...Acted as Edenglen High School's Head Coach from 2000-2001...When not playing football or rugby, Jaco invests time in his acting career. He has appeared in numerous films including a lead role in the soon to be released film "Gracie"...He is currently engaged to professional model Taryn Diamandis and has two successful siblings, Ilonka and Bjorn. Ilonka is currently a musician who has released two records and Bjorn is currently playing professional rugby in Ireland.

The Toronto Argonauts are North America's oldest professional football club, having celebrated their 130th anniversary in 2003. The Toronto Argonauts have 15 Grey Cup championships to their credit. For more information on 2006 season ticket packages, please contact the sales team at (416) 341-ARGO. Full roster details are available at www.argonauts.ca.

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