2017
A Dream Takes Shape
In February 2017, Tim Falcon, a lifelong rugby player with over 40 years of playing experience, founded NOLA Gold with the dream of bringing professional rugby to his hometown. With rugby in his blood and a deep connection to the city, Tim knew that New Orleans—bound by family, culture, and history—was the perfect place for this team to thrive.
2018
A Historic First Match
When NOLA Gold stepped onto the field for the first-ever MLR match on April 21, 2018, we made history. Traveling to Houston, we took on the SaberCats and earned a bonus-point victory in our debut—a thrilling start to what has become a remarkable journey.
2018-2019
Building Our Westbank Home
Our early years were spent on the Westbank at Archbishop Shaw High School, where we built a stadium and created a home for rugby fans. The energy in the stands was infectious, and with every cheer, our community of supporters grew stronger.
2020
A New Fortress at the Shrine on Airline
In 2020, NOLA Gold moved to the historic Shrine on Airline in Metairie, making it our new battleground. In our first match at the Shrine, we faced Old Glory DC, and Cam Dolan opened the scoring with the stadium’s first try—one of three in his hat trick performance that helped us secure a 43-8 win. The Shrine has been our fortress ever since, where fans gather to create an electric atmosphere like no other.
2024
New Ownership & Playoff Milestones
2024 marked a new chapter for NOLA Gold. Intervalle Capital, led by David Jean and Thierry Daupin, became majority owners with the vision of building something extraordinary. Their ambitious Vision 31 project sets the course for the next seven years, driving the team toward excellence as we look ahead to the USA hosting the Rugby World Cup. The season also saw us make history by securing our first-ever playoff appearance in a thrilling match against the Chicago Hounds. It was a moment of pride for our team, fans, and the city—a promise of even greater things to come.
Founding Members of America’s Professional Rugby League
Our International Roster
80 Minutes of Non-Stop Action
The game of rugby is unlike anything else. With 80 minutes of non-stop action, passion, and high-intensity gameplay, rugby embodies the ruggedness of American football, but without the pads or protection. The strategy is complex and the fast-paced ball movement rivals basketball. If you love the drama, power, and unpredictability of American sports, rugby in NOLA is your ticket to the ultimate live-action experience.
Get Close to the Action
Rugby Culture in NOLA:
At the core of NOLA Gold Rugby is a commitment to inclusivity, respect, teamwork, and community—values that resonate deeply with the culture of New Orleans. Just like the people of our city, our players take pride in their hard work, play with intensity, and come together at the end of the day to celebrate. No matter how fierce the competition is on the field, after the match, we come together as one, sharing a brew and reflecting on the game. This is the spirit of rugby and it’s what makes NOLA Gold more than just a team.
Join Us at the Shrine on Airline
