GOLD welcomes new head coach Danny Lee

GOLD welcomes new head coach Danny Lee

NOLA GOLD Rugby has tasked new head coach Danny Lee as as the man to lead the team into an exciting new era. A former professional player, Lee built a reputation as a tenacious scrum-half, earning caps with the All Blacks and making his mark in Super Rugby with standout performances for the Otago Highlanders and Waikato Chiefs.

“New Orleans, I felt the energy of this city from afar. The passion, the pride, the resilience. It’s in the air and I can’t wait to be a part of it,’’ Lee said. “ This past season, you made history. You filled the stands. You cheered until the final whistle. And you showed the city of New Orleans what NOLA GOLD Rugby is all about. 

  “I’m on my way to lead this team, to embrace the spirit of the city, and to build something even greater. I know what this team means to you, to New Orleans, and to the rugby community. Together we’ll push for new heights. So get ready, New Orleans. The future starts now. Let’s make history,” he added.

  Transitioning seamlessly into coaching, Lee quickly made an impact as an assistant coach with Hawke’s Bay in the NPC, where he played a pivotal role in guiding the team through some of its most successful seasons. His success with Hawke’s Bay led to his appointment as head coach for Japan’s Honda Heat. In his very first year, Lee’s leadership elevated the Heat from the second division to the first, solidifying his reputation as a transformative coach.

  Lee then brought his talents to the USA, where he took the helm of the San Diego Legion. Under his guidance, the Legion made the playoffs in each of his three seasons as head coach, including a trip to the MLR Championship in 2023.