Gold will be respresented on Canada’s national team; Despite missing play-offs, MLR charter member progressed on many levels

Gold will be respresented on Canada’s national team; Despite missing play-offs, MLR charter member progressed on many levels

  Callum Botchar, Cooper Coats, and Tyler Matchem were recently named to Canada’s extended squad ahead of its 2025 international season!

  The 59-man squad was built through extensive scouting across MLR, global competitions, and Canadian domestic play—so earning a spot is no small feat. Canada kicks off July 12 in Edmonton against Belgium, followed by Spain on July 18, before heading into the Pacific Nations Cup and the first step towards 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification.

  The Gold lost their season finale, 21-17 at home against the New England Freejacks  and missed the MLR play-offs during a season that included many positives.

  “While this season presented challenges, it has also provided valuable lessons and clear growth opportunities. We hold ourselves to high standards—both on and off the field—and remain fully committed to meeting them. A comprehensive review is underway, focused on learning, improving, and building a stronger, more resilient organization,’’ NOLA Gold CEO Alexandre Maumont said.

  But even during during what was possibly its most challenging year,  considering the expectations, the momentum the sport and  the team are building in New Orleans was evident.

• More than 4,500 local children were introduced to rugby through our grassroots outreach—an investment in the future of the game in this region. 

• The NOLA Gold sponsored high school rugby championship expanded to include nine participating schools, signaling the sport’s continued growth in Louisiana. 

• The team launched the Gold Academy, a dedicated U16 and U18 development platform to identify and nurture local talent on the pathway to elite-level rugby.

• There was a 30% increase in ticketing revenue, a strong indicator of the growing support from the local rugby community. 

• Owners have made progress towards its long-term vision for a permanent home for NOLA Gold, with significant updates expected to be announced  soon.

  “Our belief in rugby’s long-term potential remains constant—not just on the Gulf Coast, but across the United States,’’ Gold officials stated. “We are building something meaningful here: a franchise rooted in values of commitment, respect, and resilience, and a community that embraces rugby as a force for unity and excellence,’’ Maumont said.

  “It’s never easy to come up short of your goals, but what matters most is how you respond. This is the end of a cycle for us—and the beginning of a new one. We are moving forward with determination, clarity, and the full support of a committe