NOLA Gold Rugby – “New Orleans, Louisiana”, the New Orleans franchise of Major League Rugby – announced on October 15 the signing of Kélian Galletier for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
“The French third-row wing, with his experience and leadership, will bring a touch of European rugby excellence to the dynamic city of New Orleans,” the club said in a press release.
Galletier is the second Frenchman recruited in less than a year by the club which finished last season in the Top 5. Before him, in December 2023, it was Nicolas Godignon who crossed the Atlantic, thus becoming, among others , coach in charge of the scrum and ground game.
“Coming to the United States represents an incredible opportunity for me, both on and off the field. It’s a dream to play rugby here,” declared Kélian Galletier (32 years old, 6 caps between 2016 and 2018).
“I look forward to sharing my experience with the team and integrating into the dynamic of New Orleans. I’ve heard about its rich culture and I’m looking forward to meeting the fans while helping the team reach new heights. »
Champion of France in 2022 with the MHR
NOLA Gold is banking on these two recruits to make the difference in a competition not marked by the harshness of its impacts, hoping to benefit from the “touch of excellence of European rugby”.
Kélian Galletier had a professional playing career that spanned over 13 seasons, starting at Montpellier (MHR) where he played 175 matches and won several titles, including the Top 14 in 2022. He then played for USA Perpignan (USAP), participating in 35 matches while occupying a leadership role.
On the international stage, he has represented France on six occasions, with memorable tours to New Zealand and Argentina, as well as the 2018 Six Nations Tournament.
French team player Kélian Galletier gives a press conference on March 13, 2018 in Marcoussis. / AFP PHOTO / PATRICK KOVARIK.
“His arrival signals not only a boost for the team, but also an exciting cultural connection between the traditions of French rugby and the unique ambiance of New Orleans. Supporters can expect an exciting mix between the style of French rugby and the crazy charm of New Orleans on the pitch,” says the club.
An enthusiasm shared by coach Danny Lee: “His experience, leadership and skills will be a valuable asset for the NOLA Gold rugby team. We look forward to seeing how he can help enrich the 2025 Major League Rugby (MLR) season. »
A cultural bridge between Louisiana and Auvergne
Nicolas Godignon has twelve seasons in Pro rugby, whether in Top 14 or Pro D2 as head coach, assistant coach in charge of forwards or director of rugby.
Having passed through the Paloise, Brive and Rouen Section, he is also responsible in Louisiana for helping players progress towards professional standards. The club is also counting on him to maintain the links established with ASM – which holds a minority stake in the capital of NOLA Rugby.
The two structures have been in contact for almost five years both on a sporting and cultural level to develop exchanges between France and Auvergne, particularly for sports students. Since then, several dozen American students have come to immerse themselves in the Yellow and Blue system and vice versa.
Brive coach Nicolas Godignon pictured during the Top 14 match between La Rochelle and Brive held on January 27, 2018 at the Marcel-Deflandre stadium in La Rochelle, southwest of France. (Photo credit: Xavier Leoty/AFP via Getty Images).
Beyond sports, the New Orleans club has also found with Nicolas Godignon a new way to get involved in the community. Thus, the French coach will be required to collaborate with the 34 schools in Louisiana offering French immersion programs, which represents nearly 5,200 students. A way to promote rugby on a large scale.
The French breeding ground interests the USA
NOLA Gold is not the only club interested in the French breeding ground. Several players playing in National, Pro D2 or Top 14 have followed in the footsteps of Mathieu Bastareaud who signed with Rugby United New York in 2019.
This is how last year, for example, the Houston SaberCats poached South African scrum-half André Warner (31) from Agen and the Chicago Hounds recruited Georgian pillar Zurabi Zhvania (33, 40 caps) who played in Grenoble.
In recent seasons, Old Glory DC has brought in the Scottish second or third row Rob Harley (34 years old, 23 caps) who was previously at Colomiers, the New Zealand opening half from Bayonne Jason Robertson (29 years old), the Argentine winger Axel Müller (30 years old) who played for Périgueux or the Ivorian pillar Kevin Brou (31 years old), who played in Dijon, then Albi.
The Argentinian scrum-half Tomas Cubelli (35 years old, 74 caps) preferred to leave Biarritz to end up with the Miami Sharks and the French third row Louis Millet (24 years old) had signed for the Toronto Arrows (now defunct club) .
The 2025 Major League Rugby season is scheduled to begin in March 2025.
