NOLA Gold: The History and Legacy of New Orleans Professional Rugby
The New Orleans Gold, widely known as NOLA Gold, were a professional rugby union team based in the New Orleans metropolitan area. Competing in Major League Rugby (MLR), the team brought the intensity and passion of professional rugby to Louisiana from their founding in 2017 until their withdrawal from competition following the 2025 season.
Throughout their tenure, NOLA Gold became a symbol of the growing appetite for rugby in the United States, bolstered by international partnerships and a dedicated local following. While the team has officially disbanded, reports suggest the possibility of a future return to the league.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- Founded: 2017
- Disbanded: 2025
- League: Major League Rugby (MLR)
- Primary Home Ground: Gold Mine on Airline (Capacity: 10,000)
- Top Scorer: JP Eloff (219 points)
- Most Caps: Moni Tongaʻuiha (102)
- Most Tries: Pat O'Toole (17)
- International Ownership: ASM Clermont Auvergne (minority stake since January 2020)
Home Grounds and Facilities
NOLA Gold utilized two primary venues during their history in Louisiana, transitioning from a smaller community setting to a larger professional stadium.
Gold Mine on Airline
The team's primary home was the Gold Mine on Airline, also known as the Shrine on Airline (and formerly Zephyr Field). Located in Metairie, Louisiana, on the East Bank, this venue offered a capacity of 10,000 spectators, providing a robust atmosphere for home matches.
Joe Zimmerman Stadium
During the inaugural two seasons of Major League Rugby (2018 and 2019), the team played at Joe Zimmerman Stadium, branded as Gold Stadium. This natural turf facility, located in Marrero, Louisiana, on the West Bank, accommodated up to 3,000 fans.
Team Performance and Records
NOLA Gold's journey in the MLR was marked by steady growth and a peak in performance during the 2024 season. After several years of missing the postseason, the team achieved a significant milestone by qualifying for the playoffs in 2024.
In the 2024 regular season, the Gold finished with a 10–6 record, securing a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinal. Although they ultimately lost to the Chicago Hounds with a score of 45–21, the season represented the competitive pinnacle of the franchise.
| Season | Conference | Regular Season Record (W-D-L) | Postseason Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | - | 3-0-5 | Did not qualify |
| 2019 | - | 9-0-7 | Did not qualify |
| 2020 | Eastern | 3-0-2 | Cancelled (COVID-19) |
| 2021 | Eastern | 10-1-5 | Did not qualify |
| 2022 | Eastern | 4-0-12 | Did not qualify |
| 2023 | Eastern | 7-0-9 | Did not qualify |
| 2024 | Eastern | 10-0-6 | Lost Conference Semifinal |
| 2025 | Eastern | 4-0-12 | Did not qualify |
Broadcasting and Community Partnerships
The team expanded its reach through various media partnerships. Home games were initially broadcast on Cox Sports Television, featuring on-air talent Ian McNulty and Geoffrey Ormsby. By 2025, the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network became the official broadcast partner.
NOLA Gold also engaged in local commercial collaborations. In 2022, they partnered with the Port Orleans Brewing Company to launch "GOLDen Ale", a 16-ounce craft beer sold both at the brewery's tap room and within the Shrine on Airline stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was NOLA Gold founded and when did they disband?
The team was founded in 2017 and withdrew from Major League Rugby competition at the end of the 2025 season.
Who were the most successful players in the team's history?
JP Eloff was the top scorer with 219 points, Moni Tongaʻuiha held the record for most caps with 102, and Pat O'Toole scored the most tries with 17.
Did NOLA Gold ever make the playoffs?
Yes, the team qualified for its first playoff berth in 2024, where they reached the Eastern Conference semifinal before losing to the Chicago Hounds.
Which international team had a stake in NOLA Gold?
The French rugby powerhouse ASM Clermont Auvergne owned a minority stake in the team starting in January 2020.
Where did the team play its home games?
The team primarily played at the Gold Mine on Airline in Metairie, Louisiana, after spending their first two seasons at Joe Zimmerman Stadium in Marrero.