The NOLA Gold is proud to announce the hiring of Kane Thompson as the team’s head coach. The 39-year old Thompson spent the last three seasons (2019-2021) as both a player and player-coach for the Gold. Just last season, Thompson was the forwards and defensive coach for the Gold. Before joining North American rugby, Thompson was a decorated international rugby player. He started every game in three World Cups for Samoa and was the starting eight-man when the Gallagher Chiefs won their first Super Rugby title in 2012. 

Thompson has played a vital role in developing the Gold’s young players, including Matt Harmon, Andrew Guerra, and Tesimoni Tongauiha, who received their first cap for the USA Eagles under Thompson’s tutelage. As a member of the Gold since our second season, Thompson’s knowledge of the organization and relentless drive for success will be crucial going into the 2022 season. 

General manager Ryan Fitzgerald was elated at the announcement, exclaiming “He earned this. I couldn’t be happier and more excited that Kane will be the next head coach of the NOLA Gold. He earned the job in all aspects with his player development, constant attention to detail, and the respect he has gotten in the locker room. He really deserves this. Kane has really bought into the development of our American players, and we are set for the future with this guy as our head coach.”

Coach Kane Thompson says that “it’s a very proud moment for me to take on this challenge. I have had the pleasure of being a part of the NOLA Gold team as a player and assistant coach for the previous three seasons and have watched closely as the players have grown as individuals and as rugby players. I am honored to be trusted in this role to build on the foundation that has been laid, as I work closely with the franchise in preparing this group of players to reach their greatest potential for the upcoming season.”

With Thompson coming on board, the Gold have even more reason to be excited going into the 2022 season.