New Orleans Gold Rugby Club signed former Life University prop, Matt Harmon, to a two-year extension through the 2021 Major League Rugby season. The 23-year-old (24 prior to the 2020 season) Lake Forest High School in Illinois graduate is 5’11” tall and weighs 245 pounds.
Matt was a standout for NOLA Gold during 2019 playing hooker, as well as loosehead and tighthead prop. His versatility in the front row is invaluable for the team.
While in high school he played rugby for the Lake Forest Harriers and helped the team win two consecutive Illinois State Championships in 2012 and in 2013.
After graduating he studied at the University of Kansas and captained the rugby team in 2015. He then transferred to Life University in 2016 and played with the team through 2018 and will graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science.
While at Life University, the team won the D1A National Championship with a 60-5 win over Cal. Matt was named to the First team Collegiate All-Americans and played for the All-Americans in August against the Glendale Raptors, winning 55-10. During the Fall 2018 season, Matt played for Life in the American Rugby Premiership.
Matt also became the forwards coach of the Crescent City Blues for the team’s quest for the 2019-2020 Markel Cup.
NOLA Gold Comments
Ryan Fitzgerald, NOLA Gold General Manager, said “Harmon had an outstanding rookie year for us last year. It’s always a tough transition from college to the MLR and especially in the front row. For Matt to be able to start and come off the bench at every position 1-3, really shows his versatility and innate competitiveness to help this club. He’s a very good player and has a high ceiling to get even better in his career ahead.”
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