US EditionNOLA Gold Rugby to Suspend Operations for 2026 Season
JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, JUL 31 – NOLA Gold suspends 2026 operations due to poor performance; California Legion forms from San Diego Legion and RFC LA merger, leaving Major League Rugby with nine teams next season.
- On Wednesday, NOLA Gold said it will not be part of the pro rugby league in 2026, while San Diego Legion and RFC LA will join forces as the California Legion.
- In its sixth MLR season, NOLA Gold finished 4-12 and fifth in the Eastern Conference, with ASM Clermont Auvergne owning a minority stake since January 2020.
- The Gold partnered with Louisiana Stadium and Jefferson Parish leadership to upgrade Shrine on Airline into a rugby facility, supporting the California Legion's development.
- The withdrawal leaves the league with nine teams next season, and professional rugby in New Orleans faces uncertainty, as NOLA Gold said it will not participate in 2026.
- Next season, the California Legion will host matches across San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange County as discussions are ongoing with Major League Rugby about future pathways for NOLA Gold.
Insights by Ground AI
Does this summary seem wrong?
15 Articles
15 Articles
Major League Rugby Down Two Teams for MLR 2026 Season - Americas Rugby News
Major League Rugby is officially down two teams for the MLR 2026 season. Tumultuous back-to-back days have brought changes with one team now continuing beyond the 2025 season and two others merging to create a new franchise. ARN’s Bryan Ray reported: “Sad day for NOLA fans. Players were informed today that the Gold are out of #MLR2026“ The New Orleans Gold was founded in 2017 and competed in the rookie MLR season in 2018. The rookie season invol…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left7Leaning Right0Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution88% Left
Bias Distribution
- 88% of the sources lean Left
88% Left
L 88%
13%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
