Loyola University New Orleans Announces Varsity Rugby Programs
Loyola University New Orleans Announces Varsity Rugby Programs
Loyola University of New Orleans is announcing that it will field varsity rugby programs for men and women, and have hired former NOLA Gold General Manager Ryan Fitzgerald as a Director of Rugby.
Fitzgerald will be spending the 2025-26 season recruiting and building his team and his coaching staff; the programs will be able to offer scholarships and start competition in the fall of 2026.
"I'm really looking forward to this amazing opportunity with Loyola New Orleans and Rugby," Fitzgerald said in the team's announcement. "Truly a first-class University with great people that give back to their community on and off the field. We will recruit and build this Rugby program the same way."
A meet-and-greet with Fitzgerald in the Hall of Fame Room of the University Sports Complex will be announced at a later date.
"We are excited to welcome rugby to the Loyola Athletics family," said Wolfpack Assistant Vice President of Athletics Brett Simpson. "Rugby is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country at the collegiate level, and we believe these programs will thrive in our vibrant campus culture and competitive athletic environment. This is a major step in continuing to grow Loyola Athletics while providing more student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level and earn an athletic scholarship."
Fitzgerald brings a wealth of experience in rugby leadership, talent development, and organizational strategy, most recently serving as General Manager and Director of the pathway for the NOLA Gold since its founding in 2017. Under his leadership, the NOLA Gold became a premier player development hub in Major League Rugby, producing more American-born players than any team in the league and drafting a Rookie of the Year. Fitzgerald also secured the highest sponsorship deal in team history and oversaw all aspects of operations, including international recruitment, player logistics, and community engagement. His community efforts helped introduce over 6,000 children to the sport of rugby in 2025 alone.
A decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former NFL scout, Fitzgerald brings a disciplined, team-first approach to program building. He has more than 25 years of rugby experience as a player and executive, including a national championship with the New Orleans Rugby Club and international playing experience with the USA U19 team. Fitzgerald was inducted into the Muskego High School (Wisc.) Hall of Fame, and has long been a champion of grassroots rugby growth in the Gulf South. His vision and leadership will be instrumental in launching Loyola's men's and women's rugby programs into national prominence.
Loyola's decision comes amid a surge in rugby participation and interest across the United States, especially among college-aged students. With its emphasis on teamwork, resilience, and global perspective, rugby aligns well with Loyola's Jesuit values and the University's mission of developing the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. Student-athletes in the rugby programs will benefit from Loyola's strong academic reputation, a competitive athletic department, and the unique opportunities offered by living and learning in the heart of New Orleans.
Both teams will compete against national competition in the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA).
Recruitment efforts for the inaugural men's and women's teams are already underway.
