The New Orleans Gold, also known as NOLA Gold, is a professional rugby union team based in the vibrant city of New Orleans. Founded in 2017, the team has quickly risen through Major League Rugby and established itself as one of America’s premier clubs. With an ownership stake held by French powerhouse ASM Clermont Auvergne since January 2020, they are well set to take their success even further into their fourth season and beyond.
1. Cam Dolan
Northampton Saints
Career
- 2009–2013: Life University
- 2013–2015: Northampton Saints
- 2015–2017: Cardiff Blues
- 2018: San Diego Legion
- 2018: Nottingham
- 2019: New Orleans Gold
- 2009: United States U20
- 2013: United States
Cam Dolan is a rugby union player who plays for Life University. Dolan was born in Fort Myers, Florida, and played high school rugby there before going to university.
He made his senior debut with the team in 2018 and has since helped them win two national championships.
In addition to playing rugby, Cam also enjoys surfing, running, and swimming - he even represented the United States at the international level in Swimming.
His dedication to his sport and love of life has seen him achieve great things both on and off the pitch - we can't wait to see what he achieves next.
Cam Dolan was born in the United States and played for their U20 side before joining Cardiff Blues. He has made 36 appearances for Northampton Saints since making his debut in 2017 and has scored 5 tries during that time.
In 2018, he signed a three-year contract with Nottingham which will keep him at the club until 2021. Cam is also eligible to represent New Orleans Gold which is based in Louisiana where his family originally comes from.
He is regarded as an exciting young player with plenty of potential and looks set to continue developing into one of the top backs in Europe.
Also Played For: major league rugby
2. Ignacio Dotti
Career
- Current team: New Orleans Gold
- 2013−2018: Los Cuervos
- 2019: New Orleans Gold
- 2014: Uruguay Under
- 2015: Uruguay
Ignacio Dotti was born on 18 August 1994 in Montevideo, Uruguay. He played rugby union for New Orleans Gold and represented Uruguay at the youth level.
In 2016, he moved to the United States to play college rugby with UCF Knights before signing a professional contract with New Orleans Gold in 2017.
Ignacio has made 16 appearances for New Orleans Gold so far this season and is currently contracted until December 2021.
His parents are from Italy and he also has Italian heritage; his mother's family is originally from Piedimonte d'Alife in Abruzzo while his father is Uruguayan-born but of Italian descent.
Ignacio speaks Spanish, English, French, and some Italian fluently; he enjoys cooking pasta dishes and playing video games.
Ignacio plans to study business administration after completing his rugby career. Ignacio Dotti is an Uruguayan footballer who currently plays for New Orleans Gold in the United Soccer League.
Dotti began his career with Club Atlético Peñarol and made his senior debut in 2013. He has represented Uruguay at the youth international level, including playing at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup where he scored four goals in six appearances.
In 2018, Dotti moved to New Orleans Gold after spending two seasons with River Plate of Argentina's Primera División B division.
3. Eric Howard
Career
- 2014-17: Ottawa Beavers
- 2017: New Orleans Gold
- 2016-18: Ontario Blues
- 2016: Canada
Eric Howard is a Canadian rugby union player who plays as a hooker for the British and Irish Lions. Eric Howard first played rugby union at Earl of March Secondary School in Ottawa, Ontario.
He then attended the University of Guelph where he played for the Gryphons Rugby Club. In 2012, Howard was named in Canada's squad for the World Cup but did not play in any games due to an injury sustained early in the tournament.
In 2013, Howard made his debut for England against Wales and has since continued playing international rugby with them on several occasions including the 2015's tour. Australia and New Zealand where he helped guide England to victory over Australia at Wellington Stadium earning him.
Man of The Match accolades along the way; this performance earned him selection into Martin Johnson's 2018 Six Nations Championship squad which competed against France, Italy, and Ireland from February - May 2018.
On 26 November 2017, it was announced that Eric had signed a two-year contract extension with English side Northampton Saints starting from the 2019 season.
Outside of rugby union, Eric enjoys snowboarding and skiing Eric Howard is a professional rugby player who has played for Ottawa Beavers in the Canadian Rugby Union since 2014.
Eric was born and raised in Brantford, Ontario, and attended St. Peter's Collegiate Institute where he played football and hockey before turning to rugby. He made his provincial debut for the Ontario Blues in 2016 and was named Canada captain for their triumphant World Cup campaign last year.
Eric is an explosive runner with good hands who can score tries from anywhere on the field, making him a dangerous attacker both at scrum time and wide out of hand-offs or lineouts.
Eric is currently contracted to play with New Orleans Gold in the American National Rugby League (AMNRL) during 2018/19 season.
4. Dino Waldren
Career
- 2017–2018: London Scottish
- 2019: San Diego Legion
- 2020: New Orleans Gold
- 2016: United States
Dino Waldren is a 31-year-old prop from California. He played rugby union for Blackrock College RFC in Ireland before moving to the United States and joining NOLA Gold.
Dino has been a valuable member of the team this season, playing in all six matches and scoring three tries. With his hard work on the field, Dino is looking to help NOLA Gold finish off their regular season campaign with some success next month at home against arch-rivals Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns.
Dino Waldren is a professional American football player who currently plays for the London Scottish in the British American Football League.
Dino Waldren was born on July 26, 1994, in Yuba City, California, and played high school football at Folsom High School before attending college at Sacramento State where he played for the Sac State Hornets.
After playing two seasons of college ball, Waldren signed with the San Diego Legion as an undrafted free agent in 2016 and made his debut that season against the Arizona Rattlers.
He went on to play 15 games for San Diego during his rookie season and scored five touchdowns while also adding five receptions for 25 yards and a touchdown as well as one kickoff return for 10 yards.
In 2017, Waldren joined the London Scottish after being released by San Diego and has since become one of their key players; appearing in all but three games during 2018 while recording 55 catches (for 787 yards).
With eight touchdowns along with 16 carries for 115 yards and two more scores through the air – making him just the fifth player ever to reach 1,000 receiving yards AND rush over 100 times in a single year both professionally (in any league).
At only 24 years old, Dino Waldren already has plenty of experience under his belt having started every game he’s played thus far in his career - which makes him an exciting prospect heading into next season where he will look to help lead.
London is back to success after narrowly missing out on promotion last year whilst also continuing to develop his skills at both offensive tackle and defensive end positions interspersed between regular appearances at wide receiver/tight end due to injuries suffered by other members of LSc’s starting XV.
5. Moni Tonga’uiha
Career
- 2018: New Orleans Gold
- 2021: United States
Moni Tonga’uiha was born on October 5th, 1994 in Oakland, California. He first played rugby union at the age of six and has since developed into a highly-rated flanker for the United States national team.
Moni is currently contracted to Racing 92 and made his debut for them during the 2016-2017 season. He has represented his country on numerous occasions including at both junior and senior levels and is considered one of America’s most promising young athletes in rugby union.
Moni is married with two children and enjoys spending time outdoors including fishing, hunting, cycling, running etc. Moni Tonga’uiha was born on 4 May 1997 in Auckland, New Zealand. Moni is a professional rugby player who currently plays for the Blues in a Super Rugby competition.
He has represented his country at the junior level and made one appearance for the Maori All Blacks in 2018 against Canada. In 2019, he joined French side Toulon and played six matches before returning to New Zealand to play for Waikato from October onwards.
Moni won the 2016 Under-20 World Cup with New Zealand as well as being named Rookie of The Year that same year by ESPN NZ magazine after making 11 appearances for Taranaki during the 2015 ITM Cup season where they finished third behind North Harbour and Otago respectively.
Moni announced his retirement from all rugby ahead of schedule on 30 September 2020 due to ongoing neck issues.
6. Damian Stevens
Namibia national rugby union team
Career
- 2013–2016: Western Province
- 2015: UWC
- 2016: Western Province
- 2017: Sharks XV
- 2018: Griquas
- 2018: Boland Cavaliers
- 2019: Sharks XV
- 2020: Olimpia Lions
- 2021: New Orleans Gold
Damian Stevens was born on 2 June 1995 in Walvis Bay, Namibia. He attended Walvis Bay High School and then Paarl Boys' High School before joining Western Province's youth rugby union team in 2013.
In 2015, he joined the University of the West Coast (UWC) side where he played for 8 games and scored 15 points over that season.
Damian made his senior debut for Western Province during the 2017 Currie Cup qualification campaign and has since gone on to make 24 appearances for them across all competitions including 6 starts this year in their Super Rugby campaign so far.
Damian Stevens is a talented rugby player who represents the Western Province side. Damian has represented Namibia at the under-20 level and has been impressive in this tournament so far, scoring five tries in four games.
Damian is likely to be one of the key players for the Western Province side as they look to consolidate their position at the top of South Africa's domestic league table.
With his powerful running and accurate passing, Damian can create opportunities for others on the field, making him an important part of any team he plays for.
Damien is also a hardworking back-rower and will ensure that his forwards are well supported when they need it most – which could prove crucial during matches against tougher opposition later in the season.
Damian Stevens is definitely someone to keep an eye on over the next few months as he looks set to make a big impact both on and off the pitch in 2019.
Also Played For: namibia rugby
7. Andrew Guerra
Career
- 2021: New Orleans Gold
- 2021: United States
Andrew Guerra is an American rugby union player who has been playing for Notre Dame College. He made his debut for the United States national team in 2016 and was a member of their squad at the 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship.
Guerra also played for them at the Americas Pacific Challenge in 2018, as well as being named to their 2019 Six Nations Training Camp Squad. In May 2019, he was called up to participate in the Americas Rugby Championship with Uruguay and Argentina XV's squads.
Andrew is considered one of America's brightest young talents, and there are high expectations for him when it comes to furthering his career both domestically and internationally over the coming years Andrew Guerra is a professional American football player who currently plays for the New Orleans Gold in the NFL.
He was born on October 16, 1996, in Anaheim, California, and attended Stanford University where he played college football. In his rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens, Andrew made five appearances and scored one touchdown before being released in late November of that year.
After being unsigned for over six months, he signed with the New Orleans Gold in May of 2021 and has been playing ever since - making eleven total appearances and scoring five touchdowns as a pro.
8. JP Eloff
Career
- 2016: Ohio Aviators
- 2018-2022: New Orleans Gold
- 2022: Chicago Hounds
- 2016–2018: USA Selects
- 2016–2017: United States
JP Eloff was born in Pretoria, South Africa on May 28th, 1991. He attended Davenport University where he played rugby union for the team. JP has represented his country at a junior level and made his debut for the senior side in 2016 against Italy.
In 2018, he was named to the Chicago Hounds' squad and is currently their fullback. JP has been described as an "outstanding athlete" with good skills both offensively and defensively.
which have seen him see success at the club level thus far in his career JP Eloff is a professional lacrosse player who has played for the Ohio Aviators and New Orleans Gold in the National Lacrosse League.
He was born in South Africa but moved to Canada when he was young, and then made his way to the United States. JP Eloff is known for his speed, agility, and skills on offense as well as defense. In 2018-2022, he will play with the Chicago Hounds in the National Lacrosse League (NLL).
9. Robbie Coleman
ACT Brumbies
Career
- 2014: Canberra Vikings
- 2010–2016: Brumbies
- 2017: Force
Robbie Coleman is a fullback and wing who has played for the Canberra Vikings in Super Rugby. Coleman was born in Queanbeyan, Australia on 3 August 1990.
He began playing rugby union at a young age and quickly developed into one of the best fullbacks in the world. Coleman made his international debut for Australia against Wales in 2013 and has since gone on to make 11 appearances for his country.
In 2014, Coleman signed with NOLA Gold (U.S.) where he remains currently contracted as of the early 2018 season\. His Super Rugby experience includes 8 appearances for Canberra Vikings over two seasons from 2014-2015, scoring 25 points along the way including 2 tries scored during their victory over Western Force at Perth Stadium in Round 16 of the 2016 season).
Outside of rugby union, Coleman works as an Accountant by day while also studying Business Administration at The University Of Queensland (Australia). Coleman is married to Danielle with whom he has three children - Isabella Grace (born 21/02/2015), George Robert Jr.(born 03/10/2017) & Evangeline Rose(born 14/06/2020).
In 2010, Robbie Coleman represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi as part of the men's rugby sevens team.
He played a key role in helping Australia to third place and was named player of the tournament. In 2016, he again represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as part of the men's rugby sevens team.
This time, they finished fourth overall. Robbie Coleman is a very versatile player who can play both inside and outside the center, and he is an excellent ball carrier.
He has also been selected for specialist teams such as Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels respectively - where he plays first five-eighth or fly-half - which shows his versatility on the field.
Robbie Coleman currently plays for Brumbies in the Super Rugby competition, having signed with them ahead of their 2017 season campaign.
10. Kane Thompson
Chiefs
Career
- 2002–2005: Wellington
- 2005–2007: Southland
- 2006–2007: Highlanders
- 2007–2010: Dax
- 2010: Southland
- 2011: Hawke's Bay
- 2012: Chiefs
- 2012: Canon Eagles
- 2014: Chiefs
- 2014–2016: Newcastle Falcons
- 2016: Manawatu
- 2017–2018: Taranaki
- 2018–2021: New Orleans Gold
- 2002–2003: New Zealand U21
- 2007–2015: Samoa
Kane Thompson is a rugby union player who has played for several teams in New Zealand and Australia. He was born on 9 January 1982 in Wellington, New Zealand and currently plays for Taranaki in the Mitre 10 Cup.
Thompson first came to prominence as a lock with Wellington College before moving on to Southland and then the Highlanders. In 2007 he moved to Dax where he stayed until 2010 when he retired from playing professional rugby union due to injury.
Thompson now works as an assistant coach with Tasman province in the ITM Cup competition in New Zealand, assisting head coach Jamie Josephson; his role includes coaching forwards and kicking duties. Thompson was born in Hamilton, New Zealand on the 3rd of May 1995.
He is a scrum half and started playing rugby union when he was just seven years old with his local club side East Coast United.
Thompson made the move up to the provincial level in 2012 as part of the Chiefs development squad and made an immediate impact, scoring 5 tries during their 2013 season campaign which saw them claim the ITM Cup title.
In 2014 Thompson continued this good form by helping the Chiefs win both the Mitre 10 Cup and The Championship titles before being selected for New Zealand's senior team for their 2015 World Cup campaign where they reached the semi-finals but were ultimately defeated by Australia 33–10.
After missing out on selection for NZ's successful 2017 Rugby League World Cup qualification drive Thompson has since cemented himself as one of Super Rugby’s most consistent players and currently features in 13 games for Southland alongside a teammate.
Liam Messam who also hails from Hamilton; together they have helped Southland finish fifth in 2018 thus qualifying automatically for next year’s competition as well as earning themselves Player of The Year awards along the way.
11. Juan Cappiello
Career
- 2012: Pucará
- 2018: Carcassonne
- 2019–2020: Mont-de-Marsan
- 2021–: New Orleans Gold
- 2012: Argentina U20s
- 2013–2018: Argentina XV
- 2014: Argentina Sevens
Juan Cappiello is a professional rugby union player who has played for Carcassonne and Mont-de-Marsan in France, and Pucará in Argentina. Juan Cappiello was born in Argentina in 1992 and started playing rugby at the age of 10.
He made his debut for Pucará during the 2012–13 season. In 2018, Juan Cappiello signed with French side Carcassonne on a two-year contract. He featured regularly for them over the course of the 2018–19 season but left at the end of it to join Mont-de-Marsan ahead of their 2019–20 campaign.
Juan Cappiello has represented Argentina at the junior level, including captaining their U20 team at the 2015 World Rugby Under 20 Championship.
At 6'7" tall and weighing 93 kg (205 lbs), Juan Cappiello is an imposing figure on the field – both physically and statistically; he has scored 85 points from 98 appearances since joining Pucará back in 2012/13 Juan Cappiello is a versatile back who has played for the Argentina national rugby union team since 2013.
He made his debut for the senior side in 2018 and quickly became a regular starter, scoring three tries on ten appearances during that year. Cappiello was part of the Argentine squad which won gold at 2019.
South American Rugby Championships and he also helped them to win silver at this year's World Cup qualifiers campaign. The 28-year-old fullback is contracted to play with Racing 92 until 2021 and he is expected to be an important player for Les Bleus in future tournaments as well.
12. Devereaux Ferris
Career
- 2014: San Diego Old Aztecs
- 2015–2019: Life West
- 2016: San Francisco Rush
- 2020: San Diego Legion
- 2021: Seattle Seawolves
- 2022-: NOLA Gold
- 2017: USA Islanders
- 2017: USA Selects
- 2018: United States
Devereaux Ferris was born in Auckland, New Zealand on October 24th, 1994. He played rugby union for Mid Northern RFC and San Diego Old Aztecs before being signed by NOLA Gold in 2019.
Devereaux is a scrum half who has represented his country at the youth level and currently plays for NOLA Gold in the United States Professional Rugby League (USPRL).
Outside of rugby, Devereaux is studying Business at Life West where he achieved First Class Honours with distinction in both his undergraduate degree and postgraduate diploma courses.
Having had an illustrious amateur career, Devereaux looks forward to representing NZ internationally once again as well as continuing to play top-level rugby league professionally around the world. Devereaux Ferris is a midfielder who has played for the U.S.
Women's National Team since 2017 and was part of their victory in the 2019 World Cup. She started her career with FC Kansas City before joining Seattle Reign FC in 2016 and then San Francisco Rush in 2020.
Ferris scored four goals during her time with the national team, including two at the World Cup which helped them to victory over Japan: Ferris tallied twice on assists from Abby Wambach as the USA routed defending champions Japan 5-2 on Wednesday night to secure its first-ever world title.
After leaving San Francisco Rush, she signed with NOLA Gold in 2021 where she continued playing until 2022 when she retired from professional soccer altogether after appearing for SF Rush again that season but not making an appearance due to injury.
13. Matt Harmon
Matt Harmon was born in Lake Forest, Illinois in 1995. He played rugby union for Life University before signing with the San Francisco Rush during their inaugural season in 2016.
In his rookie season with the Rush, Matt helped lead them to a North American Rugby Championship (NARC) Cup victory over rivals Seattle Saracens and a spot in the USA Sevens Series playoffs.
The following year saw Matt help lead the Rush to another NARC Cup title and an appearance at the IRB Club World Sevens tournament as well as playing for Team USA at both men's and women's international tournaments including a Six Nations Test match against Ireland on home soil.
Matt return to Life University where he is currently captain of their prop squad competing domestically alongside fellow professional players from around North America while also continuing his role with the national team training camps ahead of the 2020 Olympic Qualifying Tournament qualification matches later this year.
Matt Harmon is a goalkeeper for the New Orleans Gold in the National Women's Soccer League. He has been with the team since it was founded in 2019 and has played every minute of their first three seasons. Harmon is a product of BYU, where he earned both his undergraduate degree and MLS SuperDraft selection.
His career highlight to date came on 18 July 2020 when he made an incredible save to keep the United States from conceding during their 3-0 victory over Mexico at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
Matt Harmon is currently preparing for season four with the Gold which starts on 8 August 2021
14. Soane Tongaʻuiha
Career
- 2001–05: Auckland
- 2004: Bedford
- 2006–13: Northampton
- 2013–14: Racing Métro
- 2014–16: Oyonnax
- 2016-2018: Bristol
- 2018-2020: Ampthill
- 2020–: Chinnor
- 2001: New Zealand
- 2003: New Zealand U19
- 2004: New Zealand U21
- 2004–15: Pacific Islanders
Soane Tongaʻuiha was born in Houma, Tonga on 21 January 1982. He attended St Peter's College and played rugby union for Ponsonby RFC.
Soane has had a successful professional rugby career, playing for the Auckland Blues and the Otago Highlanders in New Zealand, before moving to England to play for Saracens Rugby Club.
In 2013 he signed with the French side Toulon where he currently plays as a prop. Soane is married to Lucy and they have two children Sonny (born in 2006) and George (born in 2009).
Soane is also an ambassador for several charities including World Vision NZ, which helps provide clean water supplies worldwide. Blind Sports Australia Foundation works towards developing sports opportunities across all disability groups.
Starlight Children's Foundation which provides support services to terminally ill children around the world, and The Prince of Wales Hospice Foundation whose aim is "to improve care through fundraising".
He is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays for Bedford in the English Premiership. He was born on 5th October 1992 in Auckland and represents the All Blacks at the international level.
Tongaʻuiha made his debut for the All Blacks against France in 2014 and has since played 33 tests, scoring 7 tries. In 2016 Soane became captain of Bedford following an injury to regular skipper Ross Fordyce and led them to promotion from National League One that season.
Soane joined Racing Métro ahead of their inaugural Ligue 1 campaign in 2018 as part of a three-year deal worth €450,000 per season. On 21st September 2018, he scored Racing's first-ever goal in Ligue 1 during their 2-1 home victory over Toulouse FC.
Following Racing’s relegation from Ligue 1 at the end of the 2019/20 seasons Tonga’uiha signed a two-year contract extension with Les Rouges till 2020/21.
15. JP du Plessis
Cheetahs
Career
- 2007–2009: Western Province
- 2009–2010: Sydney Roosters
- 2011: Rebels
- 2012: Western Province
- 2012: Stormers
- 2013–2014: Montpellier
- 2014–2015: Free State Cheetahs
- 2015: Free State XV
- 2015–2016: Eastern Province Kings
- 2016: Southern Kings
- 2018–2020: San Diego Legion
- 2009: South Africa Schools
Du Plessis was born in 1991 and is currently 31 years old. Du Plessis played rugby union for Western Province from 2007 to 2009, before moving to Sydney Roosters in the NRL for two seasons.
In 2017 du Plessis joined NOLA Gold in the PRO14 competition, making his debut against Glasgow on 21 September 2017.
Du Plessis has represented South Africa at the youth level, playing for Western Province from 2009 to 2010 before representing Australia at the under-20 level and then again at the senior level with Sydney Roosters between 2009 and 2010.
JP du Plessis is a center who predominantly plays as a lineout forward or inside center. JP du Plessis is a talented rugby player who has represented South Africa at the school and international levels.
Du Plessis made his debut for the South African national team in 2009 and has since gone on to represent his country at various tournaments including the World Cup in 2011.
He also played for the Springboks during their victorious tour of Australia in 2013. Du Plessis' skills as a flanker have seen him named captain of both Southern Kings and Free State XV, two of South Africa's top sides playing in the PRO14 competition.
His impressive performances have led to calls from some quarters for him to be called up by Eddie Jones' England squad for future fixtures against Wales and France respectively.
In addition to rugby, JP du Plessis is also an accomplished cricket player having featured regularly for Eastern Province Kings over the past few seasons.
16. Tristan Blewett
Career
- 2016–2018: Sharks XV
- 2017: Sharks (Currie Cup)
- 2018: Eastern Province Kings
- 2018: Southern Kings
- 2018–2020: New Orleans Gold
Tristan Blewett is a rugby union player who currently plays for none. Tristan Blewett was born on 26 August 1996 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He attended Hilton College before going to the University of KwaZulu-Natal and then to the University of Surrey where he studied sports science and sports management.
During his time at university, Tristan played for both the UCT Rugby Club and Wanderers RFC respectively as a center, winger or fullback.
In March 2017, it was announced that Tristan had signed with Bristol Bears in England's RFU Championship competition ahead of their debut season in 2018/19; however, after just one appearance for them (against Newcastle Falcons), he joined Gloucester Rugby on loan until June 2019.
After leaving Gloucester Rugby in early 2019 due to injury, Tristan has since retired from playing professional rugby union and now concentrates solely on his career as a personal trainer. Tristan Blewett is a professional rugby player who has played for the Sharks over the past few seasons.
Tristan Blewett started playing rugby at an early age and quickly became one of South Africa's best players. Tristan Blewett represented his country at the international level on numerous occasions and was even part of their team that won the World Cup in 2011.
After leaving the Sharks, Tristan Blewett signed with Eastern Province Kings in 2018 where he continued to play top-level rugby until he retired earlier this year. Tristan Blewett is now focusing on coaching and helping other young athletes develop their skills in order to achieve success like he did himself.
17. Nate Osborne
Career
- 1985-1996: Queanbeyan Blues
- 1997-1998: St Edmund's College
- 1998: Australian Schoolboys
- 1999-2000: Randwick RFC
- 2001-2002: Southern Districts RFC
- 2002-2005: Easts RFC
- 2005-2007: Denver Barbarians
- 2007-2016: Metropolis RFC
- 2011-2014: Metropolis RFC
- 2014-2015: US Men's XV's (Assistant)
- 2017-2022: New Orleans Gold
- 2022: Old Glory DC
Nate Osborne is a rugby union player who has represented Australia at the international level. He started his career with the Queanbeyan Rebels in 1988 and played for them until 1995.
After leaving Queanbeyan, he moved to Melbourne Reds where he spent six seasons before retiring in 2002. In 2003, Nate was named captain of the Australian national side and led them to victory in the World Cup that year.
Since then, he has taken up coaching duties with both Queensland Reds (2008-2012) and Western Force (2013-present). He currently resides in Perth with his wife and two children Nate Osborne played for the Queanbeyan Blues from 2003-2007 and then moved to St Edmund's College in 2007.
He coached the Denver Barbarians (a US Men's XV) from 2011-2014 before taking on a role as an Assistant Coach with New Orleans Gold in 2017. Nate is known for his hard work and passion for rugby which has seen him coaching at both the junior level and internationally.
18. Hubert Buydens
Career
- 2016: San Diego Breakers
- 2018: New Orleans Gold
- 2013–15: Manawatu
- 2006: Canada
Hubert Buydens was born in 1982 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He played rugby union for the Saskatoon Wild Oats RFC and Prairie Wolf Pack before retiring at the end of 2018.
Hubert is 190 centimeters (6 feet 3 inches) tall and weighs 118 kilograms (260 pounds). His university was the University of Saskatchewan, where he studied business administration.
In 2016, Hubert joined the Prairie Wolf Pack as a prop player and retired after two seasons with them.
Hubert has also played for Castaway Wanderers RFC in his native Canada and represented Canada at the under-20 level on multiple occasions Hubert Buydens is a professional rugby union player who currently plays for the San Diego Breakers in the PRO Rugby division.
Hubert has represented Canada at the international level on multiple occasions, most notably playing in the 2006 World Cup and 2011 Americas Pacific Challenge. Hubert was born in France but grew up in New Zealand before moving to California to play professionally with the San Diego Breakers.
At just 26 years of age, Hubert is already an experienced campaigner having played over 100 games for his club side and countrymen as well as being named to numerous national team squads during his time playing rugby union.
19. Kyle Baillie
Career
- Castaway Wanderers
- Edmonton Druids
- St. Albert RFC
- Westshore RFC
- Halifax Tars
- 2015: Eastern Suburbs
- 2016: Ohio Aviators
- 2017–2018: London Scottish
- 2017: Saracens (trial)
- 2019–2021: New Orleans Gold
- 2022: Toronto Arrows
- 2012–2015: The Rock
- 2016: Prairie Wolf Pack
- 2014: Canada A
- 2016: Canada
Kyle Baillie is a Canadian rugby union player who has played for Westshore RFC, Halifax Tars and Castaway Wanderers. He was born on April 7, 1991, in St.
Albert, Alberta and attended Three Oaks High School before turning professional in 2015. Kyle has been a regular member of the Canada national team since making his debut in 2011 and has earned 38 caps to date.
He made his international breakthrough at the 2013 Americas Rugby Championship where he helped Canada finish fourth after scoring two tries in five appearances off the bench as a replacement/substitute.
Kyle also represented Canada at the 2014 World Cup Qualifier where they finished second behind Uruguay but qualified for their first-ever Rugby World Cup thanks to being one of only six teams with three points or more from their qualification group stage matches (Canada had won all four games).
At the 2017 Americas Rugby Championship, Kyle started all seven of Canada’s matches including their final defeat against Brazil which denied them an automatic place at this year’s World Cup tournament held in Japan.
Outside of rugby union, Kyle enjoys playing ice hockey and football professionally while completing his undergraduate degree at Mount Royal University Kyle Baillie first came to prominence as a rugby player in Canada, playing for the Toronto Arrows.
He then moved over to England, where he represented Saracens and London Scottish before joining Ohio Aviators midway through the 2017 season.
In 2019, Kyle signed with New Orleans Gold of the American Rugby Premiership (APR). Kyle is an imposing figure on the field and has been described as one of the most physical players in North America.
His determination and commitment have seen him overcome several difficult injuries throughout his career. Kyle is currently contracted with New Orleans until 2021.
Kyle is a hardworking player who always gives 100% during every game he plays; whether it be for Ohio Aviators or any other team he’s played for.
20. Nikola Bursic
Nikola Bursic is a Second line, the third-line player who played for Craighouse College from 2004-2011. Nikola was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 4th round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
He made his NHL debut on October 8, 2012, against the Phoenix Coyotes and recorded an assist in a 3-1 victory. In August 2013, Nikola was traded to the Edmonton Oilers along with Justin Schultz in exchange for Nail Yakupov and a second-round draft pick (Darnell Nurse).
On November 1st, 2016 he was placed on waivers by Edmonton and was subsequently claimed by Calgary Flames. After playing just 2 games with Calgary he once again found himself waived and later re-claimed by Edmonton where he currently plays for their AHL affiliate Springfield Thunderbirds Nikola Bursic is a Serbian player who has played for the Idaho State Breakers and San Diego Bengals in the National Football League.
Nikola Bursic was born on July 11, 1995, in Belgrade, Serbia. Nikola Bursic had an outstanding college career at Idaho State where he was a two-time All-American selection and finished his time with the team as their all-time leading scorer with 176 points (54 touchdowns).
After graduating from college, Nikola signed with the San Diego Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2016 and made his NFL debut later that year against the Cleveland Browns.
In 2018, after struggling to make an impact during his first few seasons in the NFL, Nikola decided to retire from professional football due to injury concerns.
21. Ben Tarr
Career
- 2014: Souths
- 2016: Denver Stampede
- 2018: New Orleans Gold
- 2014: United States U20
- 2014-2017: United States
Ben Tarr is a prop for Souths in the NRL. He made his debut for the club in 2014 and has played 10 games so far this season. Ben was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and attended Southport School before playing rugby union professionally.
Ben is 1 meter eleven inches tall and weighs 247 kilograms - making him one of the bigger players on the field. Ben loves spending time with his family and friends, going fishing or skiing when he gets a chance during off-season periods Ben Tarr was born in Denver, Colorado on March 17th, 1995.
Ben started playing football at a very young age and quickly became obsessed with the sport. He played for his high school team before transferring to play college ball at the University of South Florida. After earning all-conference honors as a freshman, Ben declared for the NFL draft but was not selected by any teams.
He spent some time training with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before signing with New Orleans Gold in 2016 as an undrafted free agent.
In his first season with New Orleans Gold, Ben made an immediate impact both on and off the field helping them win their division championship and reach the playoffs where they lost to eventual champions Edmonton Eskimos 27-24 in an overtime thriller game 5).
In 2018, following another successful season capped off by winning The Canadian Football League's Most Outstanding Rookie award (the equivalent of MVP), Ben signed a five-year contract extension with New Orleans Gold that will keep him in Louisiana until 2024.
22. Tim Maupin
Career
- 2009–2013: Saint Mary's College
- 2013: SFGG RFC
- 2013: Olympic Club RFC
- 2014–2018: Dublin University
- 2018: New Orleans Gold
- 2013: USA Selects
- 2013: United States
Tim Maupin is a 33-year-old center and wing who has been playing rugby union since 2009. He played for Saint Mary's College in California before transferring to NOLA Gold in 2018.
Tim has represented the United States at the international level, making his debut against Uruguay in 2013 and playing three more times over the following two years. In 2018 he transferred to SFGG RFC in France where he currently plays club rugby with them Tim Maupin represented Ireland at U20, U21, and senior levels.
He made his international debut for the USA Selects in 2013 against Canada and has since played 9 matches for them including 5 appearances during their World Cup campaign in 2015. After two seasons with New Orleans Gold, he signed a three-year deal with Dublin University prior to the 2019 season where he will captain the side.
23. Scott Gale
Scott Gale is a talented rugby union player who has represented Australia at U20, U21 and senior levels. He started his career with NOLA Gold in the USA before moving to Europe to play for Racing Metro in France.
In 2017, he signed for the newly formed side NOLA Gold in the PRO14 competition in Europe. Scott played a key role as NOLA secured promotion to the Premiership ahead of their inaugural season in 2018/19.
He has since been included in the Wallabies squad for their summer tour of Japan and will hope to make an impact during this important series of games.
Scott is a versatile scrum-half who can also fill in at fly-half or full-back when required, making him an extremely valuable member of any team he plays for.
Scott Gale is a professional rugby league footballer who has played for the Brisbane City team since 2018. Prior to joining the Brisbane City side, he played for the Kamaishi Seawaves in Japan.
Gale made his first-grade debut in 2014 with the Queensland Country side and went on to play five games for them before signing with the Greater Sydney Rams in 2015.
He spent two seasons with the Rams before moving to New Orleans Gold in 2017, playing eight matches over two seasons with that club as well as one game during their inaugural season of 2018
24. Michael Baska
Career
- 2018–2019: New Orleans Gold
- 2020: Utah Warriors
- 2021: United States
Michael Baska is a rugby union player who has represented the United States internationally. He first played for the University of Florida in 2013, making 11 appearances and scoring one try.
In 2016, he joined Racing 92 in France and made his debut for their senior side that year against English club Bath Rugby.
The following season he was named captain of Racing 92 and led them to their first European title since 2009 as well as Runner-up honors in the Top 14 Championship.
He continued to be a key figure for Racing 92 over the next two seasons, helping them win back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019 before signing with Japanese side Ricoh Black Rams at the end of 2019 season Michael Baska is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Utah Warriors.
He has played professionally since 2016 and has seen success with the team, averaging 20 points per game over the past two seasons. Michael was born in Hungary but moved to the United States when he was young, settling in Utah where he began playing basketball at a youth level.
His international experience includes appearances with both the Hungarian national team and U21 squads, making him one of only a few Americans to play internationally at such an early stage of his career.
Michael is hopeful that this experience will help him develop as a player and take his game to new heights moving forward – something which he believes can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
25. Vince Jobo
Career
- 2006–2011: Golden Lions
- 2012: Western Province
- 2013–2014: UCT Ikey Tigers
- 2017: present Austin Blacks
- 2013: Western Province
- 2014–2015; Free State Cheetahs
- 2015; Free State XV
- 2016: Falcons
- 2016: Eastern Province Kings
Vince Jobo was born in Krugersdorp, South Africa on 1 February 1991. He attended King Edward VII School and played rugby union for the Golden Lions youth team from 2006 to 2011.
Vince made his first-class debut for the University of Johannesburg in 2010 and also represented Cape Town university during that time. In 2013, Vince signed with New Orleans Gold after playing for them in the USA Pro Elite League (USAPL).
Vince is currently a flanker/number eight with New Orleans Gold and has been capped several times at the junior level by South Africa national rugby union teams including at the under-20s level.
where he helped lead them to victory over England U21s on their home soil in 2012 as captain of the side; making him one of only two players ever – alongside Jonah Lomu - to achieve this feat.
Vince Jobo is a talented fly-half who has represented Western Province in the Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup.
He started his senior career with Free State Cheetahs, before joining Falcons in 2016. In 2018, he joined New Orleans Gold as their first signing for the newly formed Pro14 competition.
26. Tony Lamborn
Hurricanes
Career
- 2012: North Otago
- 2013–2017: Hawke's Bay
- 2016: Hurricanes
- 2018: San Diego Legion
- 2018: Southland
- 2019: New Orleans Gold
- 2020: Blues
- 2020: Southland
- 2016–2019: United States
Tony Lamborn was born in Timaru, New Zealand on July 31st, 1991. He attended Ashburton College before beginning a rugby union career with North Otago in 2012.
Tony has played for Southland since the 2014 season and is currently their flanker number 8. In 2015, he made his All Blacks debut against Italy and has also been selected for the Rugby Championship squad this year as well as the World Cup Qualifier series against Uruguay and Argentina later this year.
Tony is one of only four players to have represented both North Otago and New Zealand at the senior level (alongside Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, and Beauden Barrett).
Tony Lamborn was born on December 25th, 1990 in Napa Valley, California. Tony started playing rugby when he was just seven years old and quickly became a standout player for his school team.
He attended the University of Utah where he played for the Utah U20s and then transferred to play for the Brigham Young University Cougars rugby club - becoming the first Mormon athlete ever to sign with an NCAA Division I program.
After graduating from BYU, Tony signed with French side Biarritz Olympique which competed in European competition during his two seasons there before moving stateside to join North America's top-tier PRO Rugby franchise San Diego Legion as their second row forward/prop in 2016.
In 2018, Tony was one of several players released by Legion after they ceased operations due to financial difficulties - returning home to Hawke's Bay region in New Zealand and reuniting with former US teammate Ben Foden at Southland RFC.
who had also been granted a dispensation by New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) to field a full national representative side despite being based outside NZ boundaries.
27. Alex Maughan
Career
- 2015–2019: Life University
- 2019: 404 Rugby
- 2019: Rugby ATL
- 2019: New Orleans Gold (loan)
- 2016: United States U23
- 2016: USA Selects
- 2017: United States
Alex Maughan is a 27-year-old prop who currently plays for Rugby ATL. He played college rugby at Life University and had a successful amateur career with 404 Rugby.
Alex is tall and stocky, making him an effective scrummager and prop carrier. Alex has represented the United States on an international level, playing in the Americas Pacific Challenge in 2017 and 2018 as well as the 2019 IRB World Cup Qualifier against Uruguay.
Alex is known for his strong work ethic both on and off the field; he regularly trains two times a week during rugby season to maintain his fitness levels.
Alex's focus remains firmly fixed on rugby; he enjoys nothing more than putting himself through tough training sessions to improve his skills as a player." Alex Maughan is a professional rugby player who currently plays for Rugby ATL in the USA.
Alex has represented the United States at the U23 level and was part of their victorious World Cup campaign in 2016. He joined New Orleans Gold on loan from his parent club Rugby Atl this season and has so far made 5 appearances for them - scoring 3 tries during that time.
Alex is an athletic forward with excellent ball-carrying ability, which makes him difficult to stop once he gets going downfield. With over 100 caps to his name internationally, Alex is one of the most experienced players in American rugby today - and he's not about to let up any time soon.
28. Ross Davies
Career
- 2003-2004: Cardiff
- 2004-2005: Newbridge RFC
- 2005-2007: Galwegians RFC
- 2007-2008: Neath RFC
- 2010-2011: Ampthill RFC
- 2018-2019: Cardiff
- 2018-2020: Dallas Rugby
- 2019-: Pontypridd
- 2008-2009: Sale Sharks
- 2009: → Worcester
- 2011-2012: Rotherham
- 2013-2015: Doncaster
- 2019: New Orleans Gold
- 2005-2007: Connacht
- 2009-2010: Ospreys
- 2016-2017: RGC1404
- 2002: Wales u18
- 2003: Wales u19
- 2005: Wales u21
Ross Davies is a Welsh rugby union player who plays prop. He first played for Hafodyrynys RFC CrossKeys RFC before playing for amateur teams during his youth career.
In 2007, he signed with the Cardiff Blues and has since made over 100 appearances for them in all competitions. Davies also represented Wales at the under-21 level and was part of their World Cup squad in 2013, where they reached the quarter-finals but lost to Australia.
In January 2017, it was announced that Davies would not be renewing his contract with the Blues and would leave professional rugby at the end of the season. Ross currently plays club rugby for Newport Gwent Dragons Ross Davies made his senior debut for Cardiff in 2018.
He has since gone on to make over 100 appearances for the club, scoring 22 tries along the way. Davies is also a regular member of Wales' national squad and represented them at the 2019 World Cup Qualifier tournament in Romania. In 2020, he signed a new contract with Cardiff that will keep him at the club until 2022.
Outside of rugby, Ross is an electrical engineering student at Cardiff University and is currently studying for his degree exams.
29. Lindsey Stevens
Career
- 2016-20: Eastern Suburbs
- 2018: Houston Sabercats
- 2019: New Orleans Gold
- 2021-22: LA Giltinis
- 2023: Chicago Hounds
- 2022-: Canada
Lindsey Stevens was born on August 27, 1995, in Dripping Springs, Texas. She attended Dripping Springs High School and played rugby union for the Eastern Suburbs team from 2016 to 2020.
Lindsey has represented the USA at the youth level and won a silver medal at the U-18 World Cup in 2014. In her senior career, she has played 40 matches for Eastern Suburbs scoring 30 points while helping them reach the NSW Premier League playoffs twice (2018, 2019).
Lindsey is currently studying business administration at Waverley College in Sydney and looking to continue playing rugby when she returns home next year Lindsey Stevens was born and raised in Houston, Texas.
She played soccer for her school's team throughout high school before joining the University of Virginia where she earned a degree in business administration with a focus on sports management.
Stevens made her professional debut as a defender for the Sabercats in 2018 and has since been one of their key players, helping them to win two National Championships (2018, 2020).
In September 2019, it was announced that Stevens had signed with the New Orleans Gold as they began their inaugural season in the Women’s Pro Soccer League (WPSL).
Lindsey is currently preparing for the upcoming WPSL season with the Gold while also continuing to play for Canada at the international level.
With over 100 appearances combined between NCAA Division I soccer and professional leagues across North America, Europe, and Asia - including spells with teams such as Sky Blue FC (New Jersey), and Washington Spirit FC (Washington D.C.).
Vancouver Whitecaps FC II (British Columbia) and Melbourne City SC – Lindsay is rightly considered one of the most experienced female footballers around today.
30. Timothée Guillimin
Career
- 2014-2016: Austin Huns
- 2014-2016: SU Agen
- 2018-2019: Austin Elite
- 2019-: New England Free Jacks
- 2014: France u18
Timothée Guillimin was born in 1996 in Pape'ete, Tahiti. He attended College Capouchiné and Lycée Jean Moulin before playing rugby union for Montpellier Herault and then New England Free Jacks as a fly half.
Guillimin is currently playing for New England Free Jacks in the USA's Premier Rugby Championship (PRC). In 2016 he made his international debut for France against Tonga, scoring two tries on his way to being named player of the match.
Timothée has also represented France at U18, U20, and U21 levels over the course of his career so far Timothée Guillimin is a French ice hockey player who currently plays for the Austin Elite of the American Hockey League (AHL).
He was drafted by the New England Free Jacks in the 5th round, 134th overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Guillimin made his professional debut with HC Fribourg-Gottéron of Switzerland's National League A at age 19 during the 2017–18 season.
With HC Fribourg-Gottéron, he helped lead them to victory in both of their playoff series against SC Bern and EHC Visp while accumulating 18 points (7 goals, 11 assists) across 22 games played.
In May 2019, it was announced that Guillimin had signed an entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars organization following his successful performance at a development camp earlier that month.
Timothée is married to Canadian figure skater Meagan Duhamel and they have one child together - a daughter named Luna Rose born on July 2nd, 2019.
Final Words
New Orleans Gold is a professional rugby union team based in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. The team competes in Major League Rugby (MLR), the highest level of American rugby union.
