Irish back row Cian Darling played in Major League Rugby between 2024-2025. He represented the NOLA Gold for his entire MLR career.

Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, Darling attended Colaiste Choilm in Swords, and represented Leinster at U18 & U19 levels while also playing with Skerries RFC with whom he was an All-Ireland U19 finalist. Darling moved to the US in 2018, attending Wheeling Jesuit University until 2019 before transferring to rugby powerhouse Lindenwood University. He attended Lindenwood between 2019-2023 and was a regular starter for the Lions throughout his time there while also serving as lineout coach. In 2021, he won the NCR Collegiate Rugby Championship with the school’s Sevens team.

Darling declared for the 2023 MLR Collegiate Draft and was selected in the first round, 7th overall by the NOLA Gold. He spent 2024 with the NOLA Gold academy side and New Orleans RFC, and on January 8th, 2025 the Gold confirmed the return of Cian Darling for a second MLR season in 2025. In his sophomore year, Darling earned his MLR debut and started 1 of his 3 appearances during a challenging season for the NOLA Gold. He gained 18m in possession and completed 24 tackles.

With the NOLA Gold announcing their withdrawal from MLR in August 2025, Cian Darling’s future in the league is currently unclear.

Achievements

• 2023 MLR Draftee: 1st Round (7th Overall) – NOLA Gold

NARDB Player #1,363