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One of the founding members of Major League Rugby, NOLA Gold have come a long way from their dusty beginnings on a high school football pitch. With a home base all to their own and some savvy recruits, this team continues to make progress on the ladder though they haven’t been been able to reach the upper rungs just yet.
2020 RECORD: 3-2 (3rd East, 4th overall)
HEAD COACH: Back for a fourth MLR campaign is Nate Osborne. A popular figure among his players who is noted for his creative approach in selection and attack. A recent and notable addition to the staff is former Glendale Raptors coach David Williams, who joins as Director of Strength & Conditioning.
CAPTAIN: Canadian enforcer Kyle Baillie leads the side for a second year, his third in Louisiana. He has grown in stature since arriving and is a formidable combatant on both sides of the ball. Though not the bulkiest second row pairing, few match the raw physicality of Baillie’s combination with Uruguayan international Ignacio Dotti.
STAR PLAYER: Undoubtedly one of the signings of the off-season, JP du Plessis has been one of MLR’s top centers since arriving in 2018. San Diego’s loss is NOLA’s gain and the barnstorming center will bring a new dimension to the Gold’s backline, where he is set to partner Argentine international Juan Cappiello.
KEY DEPARTURE: Scott Gale and Con Foley have returned home to Australia after two seasons with the Gold. Foley’s status as vice-captain nudges him slightly ahead in significance. du Plessis will take over his No12 shirt and offers a more direct style to the subtle sevens exponent.
SMART SIGNING: The Gold have never been found wanting at hooker but the addition of Pat O’Toole is a step up. Alongside former skipper and incumbent starter Eric Howard he gives the team two players of starting caliber to choose from which should keep them both fresh at the business end of the season.
ONE TO WATCH: Another arrival from San Diego, Devin Short was left frustrated by little playing time in 2020, a bizarre situation given his obvious talent. At his new team he can be expected to be a front line player with his speed and support lines complimenting ball carriers Moni Tonga’uiha and Cam Dolan.
STRENGTHS: These guys just seem to gel as a group. With many players on long-term contracts it creates a strong team culture. There is depth across the board this season with genuine competition for spots. In terms of unit strength, their back rowers are all capable of linking on attack.
CONCERNS: This team is designed to play attacking rugby. Tactical kicking is not their forte, and they have sometimes been caught playing too much in their own end. An attribute lacking in the first choice forwards is a bulldozer to bash through the gainline though there style doesn’t necessarily require one. Injuries to a couple prominent backs will dictate early season selections.
OUTLOOK: Expectations were high in 2019, and higher still in 2020. The consistency of performance hasn’t aligned with their goal just yet. Could this be the year they deliver on their promise? On paper NOLA looks like a playoff team. Expect them to be in the mix come late June. From there it’s either Gold glory or more heartbreak.
