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The NOLA Gold have locked down one of the most exciting players in Major League Rugby. Tristan Blewett has put pen to paper on a two-year extension with the Gold. Having initially signed for two seasons, it ties him to the club through the 2022 MLR season.
Blewett joined the team from the Sharks in September of last year. He started 15 games for the club, playing both outside center or wing, and scored 12 tries. The 22-year-old was universally lauded by pundits for his aggressive running and tackling style.
More recently Blewett grabbed local headlines after being invited to a New Orleans Saints mini-camp where he was trialed as a kick returner. He won’t be playing in the NFL after all, but it was a sign that other professional franchises have their eyes on American professional rugby.
Both the timing and length of the deal are major signals of intent by the Gold. Securing their most potent attacking player on a long-term deal just a couple weeks after the close of the 2019 campaign is welcome new for both fans and players across the growing competition.
[EDIT: This article previously stated that Blewett had been signed through the 2023 campaign. The club has now clarified that the new contract in fact runs through the 2022 season.]
