NOLA Gold, No. 1 in Major League Rugby, Returns Home Saturday vs. Austin

NOLA Gold has been the talk of Major League Rugby all through the season, racking up a 5-1 record to hold first place in the league. On Saturday (March 23) the team returns home to remind local fans what’s behind the talk.

At this point in the season, Saturday’s game is vital, and fans are in for some intense pro rugby competition.

NOLA Gold hosts Austin Rugby Elite (0-7), a team hungry for its first win of the season. An upset over NOLA Gold in New Orleans would be major statement.

For NOLA Gold, a win would keep its momentum rolling and strengthening its hold on the top spot in the league as a pack of competitors follow very closely behind in the standings.

“Our fans have been tremendous with the support and spirit they bring to game day,” said Gold head coach Nate Osborne. “We’re calling on them all to come out and give us their strength.”

NOLA Gold comes into Saturday’s match off a two-game road trip and a hot streak. After pulling off a win in the snow against the Utah Warriors (21-19), New Orleans put on show against the Houston SaberCats last weekend, besting their hosts 49-11.

In that game, the league’s leading try scorer in the MLR, South African Tristan Blewett, had a hat trick, scoring three tries. That included a spectacular “pick 5” (rugby’s version of the pick 6) that has been blowing up the replay clips on local news and social media.

The NOLA Gold game day experience includes pro-level rugby in a family-friendly atmosphere as fans create new traditions and newcomers to rugby learn the game. There’s fan tailgating, concessions in the stadium for food and drink, high school rugby matches and player meet-and-greets for fans.

What to watch at game day:

•     Local fans embracing a new pro team and sport at home
•     New traditions taking root in the stadium
•     Youth, women and club teams coming together in support
•     Players from New Orleans and across the globe on the same teamNOLA Gold is part of Major League Rugby, which launched its inaugural season in 2018 and has drawn worldwide attention as the next step for American rugby.

NOLA Gold is at home in Marrero, Louisiana, hosting Major League Rugby teams from across the country and bringing pro athletes from around the globe.

NEXT UP:

• WHAT: Professional rugby in New Orleans
• WHO: NOLA Gold vs. Austin Elite Rugby
• WHEN: Saturday, March 23, kickoff at 2 pm.
• WHERE: Gold stadium, 1050 Barataria Blvd. Marrero
• INFO: Tickets and sponsor opportunities available at nolagoldrugby.com.