NOLA Gold signed Sam Klimkowski for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. The 24-year-old loosehead prop (25 in March) is 6’1″, 280 lbs.
Sam was signed by the LA Giltinis for the 2022 season but did not play during the regular season. He played for NOLA Gold’s Academy team during the Fall American Rugby Premiership season.
Sam is from Avon Lake, Ohio, and attended Avon Lake High School. He played varsity football and in his senior year began playing rugby with the team winning the State Championship. He then attended Notre Dame College and helped the Falcons win the 2017 National Championship.
Prior to the 2021 MLR Collegiate draft, Sam attended The Rugby Showcase in Westport, CT. This was attended by the NOLA Gold General Manager Ryan Fitzgerald who was aware of his talent.
Sam trained with the LA Giltinis during the Fall, until leaving the team for personal reasons. He also trained with the Cleveland Crusaders.
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