NOLA Gold Rugby
Briefly describe the mission and objectives of your organization.
At NOLA Gold Youth Rugby, our mission is to empower youth through the dynamic sport of rugby, fostering growth, teamwork, and leadership. We provide a nurturing environment where young athletes can develop their physical, social, and technical skills, both on and off the field. By engaging with the community and collaborating with local schools, organizations, and businesses, we create opportunities that benefit everyone involved.
What motivated your organization to engage in a partnership with Son of a Saint?
Our deep community engagement includes partnerships with local schools, organizations, and businesses to ensure that rugby becomes a valuable outlet and resource for all. Our collaboration with Son of a Saint reflects our shared dedication to mentorship and offering new opportunities for youth to thrive through sport.
How does your partnership with Son of a Saint align with the core values and goals of your organization?
The NOLA Gold Rugby partnership with Son of a Saint perfectly aligns with our core values of community, mentorship, and youth development. Both organizations are deeply committed to empowering young men through structured support, positive role models, and long-term opportunities for growth.
Through this partnership, we provide a dynamic outlet through sport, exposing students to rugby’s core values—teamwork, discipline, leadership, and resilience—while fostering physical and emotional development. By introducing rugby as a new path for personal and athletic achievement, we help these young men build confidence, form strong peer connections, and envision a future that includes higher education, professional careers, and community impact.
This collaboration is a natural extension of our mission to grow the game of rugby in New Orleans.
What has been the most unique or impactful component of your organization’s partnership with Son of a Saint?
NOLA Gold Rugby is proud to announce that our 2025 City Edition jerseys—worn by the players—will be auctioned off to benefit our community partner, Son of a Saint. All 23 game-worn jerseys will be available for fans to bid on, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Son of a Saint, supporting their mission to enrich the lives of fatherless young men through mentorship, education, and exposure to new opportunities. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to empowering youth and creating a lasting impact through the power of sport and community.
What does mentorship mean to your organization? How do you promote mentorship within your organization?
Mentorship is at the heart of NOLA Gold Rugby’s mission. To us, mentorship means guiding, empowering, and investing in the next generation—on and off the field. It’s about creating meaningful relationships that help young people discover their strengths, build confidence, and realize their potential.
We promote mentorship by actively involving our players and staff in youth programming, school visits, and community events. Through our partnerships—like the one with Son of a Saint—we expose young men to the sport of rugby, often for the first time, and show them a new path where they can thrive. Whether it’s learning the values of teamwork and resilience or envisioning a future in professional rugby, we are proud to offer an outlet that can transform lives and build lasting impact.
What does investing in the future of New Orleans look like for your organization?
We believe that our success is deeply tied to the strength of our city and the people in it. That’s why we work hand in hand with organizations like Son of a Saint—because we know the power of providing young people with opportunities, guidance, and a sense of belonging. We don’t thrive without our community partners and the incredible local mentors who support us. By building these relationships, creating access to rugby, and fostering leadership and growth in our youth, we’re not just growing the game—we’re helping shape the future of New Orleans.
Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for Son of a Saint mentees?
It’s never too late to start. Don’t be afraid to try something new—especially something that challenges you. Whether it’s rugby or anything else in life, stepping outside your comfort zone is often where growth begins. You already have the strength, discipline, and heart it takes to succeed. Keep showing up, keep learning, and remember: you’re not alone on the journey. You’ve got a whole community cheering you on—including all of us at NOLA Gold Rugby.
What do you envision for the future of your organization’s partnership with Son of a Saint?
We envision our partnership with Son of a Saint growing into a lasting, impactful bond where NOLA Gold players become true mentors and role models for the young men in the program. Our athletes come from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, each with a unique story of perseverance, discipline, and success.
By sharing those journeys, our players can show these students that no dream is out of reach—whether in rugby or in life. Together, we aim to build a bridge between professional sport and personal development—creating experiences, opportunities, and relationships that inspire long after the final whistle blows.
