The NOLA Gold have confirmed the departure of star outside back Tristan Blewett ahead of the 2020 Major League Rugby season. While he remains contracted to the Gold, the 23-year-old has opted to return to his native South Africa to complete his university studies.
One of the league’s top try scorers in 2019, Blewett proved one of the top recruits of the 2018-19 off-season after signing on from the Sharks. He quickly established himself as one of the most electric attackers in MLR, also turning heads with his aggressive defensive play.
Though the news is only now coming into public knowledge, NOLA have been aware of Blewett’s decision for several weeks and already have sufficient cover on the roster. Argentina XV winger Julián Dominguez has arrived after a visa delay with former European pro Carl Meyer already in place at outside center.
Meanwhile three players have been added following preseason trials. New Orleans RFC flanker Giovanni Lapp covers John Sullivan’s recent move from the back row to prop. Fullback Bryan Ptomey enjoyed a try-scoring debut against Rugby ATL after playing for the New England Free Jacks in the spring. Kenneth Jinkins has been signed as a winger having played collegiate football for the CSS Saints.