Peter Nelson (rugby union)

Peter Nelson (born 5 October 1992) from Dungannon is a Northern Irish-born rugby union player. He formerly played at the position of fullback for Ulster.^[1][2] He currently plays for the Toronto Arrows in Major League Rugby (MLR).

Peter Nelson

Birth name	Peter Nelson
Date of birth	(1992-10-05) 5 October 1992 (age 32)
Place of birth	Dungannon, Northern Ireland
Height	1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight	99 kg (15 st 8 lb)
School	Royal School Dungannon
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fullback Current team Toronto Arrows Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 20-2011 Dungannon RFC () Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2020 Seattle Seawolves 0 (0) 2020–2021 US Bressane 11 (59) 2021–2022 Aurillac 16 (7) 2023 Toronto Arrows 8 (16) Correct as of 7 July 2025 Provincial / State sides Years Team Apps (Points) 2011–2019 Ulster 60 (47) Correct as of 15 January 2024 International career Years Team Apps (Points) 2010 Ireland under-18 2012 Ireland under-20 5 (10) 2013–2015 Emerging Ireland 3 (0) 2019– Canada 19 (99) Correct as of 15 January 2024

Nelson is a versatile back who can play at out-half, full-back, centre or wing.

Club career

Nelson made his debut for Ulster against Leinster in December 2011.^[1] He scored his first try for Ulster against Benetton Treviso in November 2012.^[3]

In May 2019, it was announced that Nelson would be leaving Ulster after eight seasons.^[4]

In 2020, Nelson agreed a deal with Seattle Seawolves to play in Major League Rugby,^[5] however that move was abandoned due to the coronavirus pandemic.^[5]

International career

Ireland

Nelson has represented Ireland at both under-18 and under-20 level.^[6]

Canada

In June 2019, Nelson was selected by Canada for the Pacific Nations Cup.^[7] He is eligible for Canada through his Vancouver-born grandmother.^[8] He made his Canada debut in the tournament against the USA Eagles.^[9]

He was named in the Canada squad for the 2019 World Cup^[10] and made his tournament debut against Italy on 26 September.^[6][11]