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The NOLA Gold have captured another returning player on a long-term deal. Former Samoa lock Kane Thompson has extended his stay in the Big Easy with a new three-year deal that carries him through the 2022 Major League Rugby season. The 37-year-old is the 13-the confirmed re-signing for NOLA.
It was a productive year in Gold for the New Zealander. Thompson signed as a player-coach ahead of the 2019 season and he helped mentor young local talents Billy Stewart and William Waguespack, while also putting in a shift on his own. He appeared in 15 games, starting 13, even filling in at No8 on three occasions in the absence of Eagles starter Cam Dolan.
Only two players – teammate Hubert Buydens and 39-year-old Utah front rower Blake Burdette – were older than Thompson this past season. The latter is not expected to continue in 2020 while the future of Buydens post-RWC is uncertain. Should Thompson see out his contract as a player, he could become the first 40-year-old to suit up in MLR.
