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 did not feature for the MLR side in 2024 and on January 8th, 2025 the Gold confirmed the return of Cian Darling for a second MLR season in 2025.

Achievements

• 2023 MLR Draftee: 7th Overall – NOLA Gold

NARDB Player #1,363