Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
NOLA Gold have formalized the additions of Collegiate Draft picks Chase Jones and Christian Olney for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. They follow tighthead prop Trent Rogers in signing one-year deals with the club, with 2nd-overall pick Sebastiano Villani committing for two years.
Jones, 23, was the 6th overall pick, one spot ahead of Rogers. The Saint Mary’s Gaels product was a 1st team Collegiate All-American in 2022 and has previously represented the USA at u20 level. At 6’4″ (1.94m) he is comfortable at both lock or blindside flanker.
Olney was the first pick in the third round, 27th overall from Ohio State. Also 23, the 6’2″ (1.88m) wing or fullback impressed with the NOLA Gold Academy during the recent American Rugby Premiership. Prior to the Draft he took part in the Collegiate Rugby Shield trial match in Utah.
