The NOLA Gold have announced the signing of Namibia scrumhalf Damian Stevens on a contract that runs through the 2023 Major League Rugby season. He joins after appearing for the Olímpia Lions in their only match of the cancelled Súper Liga Americana de Rugby season.
Stevens, 25, was a standout performer for Namibia during Rugby World Cup 2019. He started against Italy and New Zealand, scoring a try against the Azzurri and kicking three penalty goals against the All Blacks. Namibia’s final match against Canada was cancelled following Typhoon Hagibis.
With USA Selects representative Holden Yungert already under contract, the Gold now have two high quality specialist scrumhalves on their roster. Scott Gale also featured at the position in 2020 but played flyhalf in 2019. Recent signing Cian Barry is capable of covering scrumhalf, flyhalf, and fullback.