NOLA Gold coach Danny Lee committed to growing the sport in LA

NOLA Gold coach Danny Lee committed to growing the sport in LA

  When Danny Lee stepped into the role of head coach for NOLA Gold Rugby, he inherited a team that had just made its first playoff appearance. Fresh off this success, there was excitement, anticipation, and yes, pressure. In a candid interview with Fox8, Lee shared his insights on the challenges, opportunities, and plans for taking NOLA Gold to the next level.

  “The team made the playoffs last year and they did some really good things throughout the season. So it’s not for me to come in and throw the baby out with the bathwater, as they say. It’s about trying to just grow that momentum back into the team, give them confidence around what they’re doing and tweak a couple of things here and there,” Lee said. “There’s always pressure on any team or coach. We spent the off-season looking closely at what NOLA Gold did last season.

  The coach’s first order of business was to bolster the depth and quality of the roster by either retaining solid contributors or making roster chabnge, with a focus on turning set piece plays into a competitive advantage.

  With 32 years of rugby experience as as a player and coach, Lee has led an MLR team in San Diego, and carries the DNA of rugby excellence from his New Zealand roots. 

  “But I’m not the finished product, and I don’t know everything,” he said. 

  Beyond the field, Lee is committed to growing rugby in Louisiana by introducing the game to young athletes and deepening fan engagement.

  “We’re trying to build it throughout the entire state,” he said. “We are helping shape a thriving rugby culture in New Orleans and beyond.’’

With a record of 1 wins, 2 losses, and no draws,  NOLA GOLD is #4 in the MLR Eastern Conference heading into the March 22 at the Shrine on Airline! at 6 p.m. against RFC Las Angeles. The GOLD is also at home at 6 p.m. on March 29 against the Chicago Hounds.