Saints mining Gold: New Orleans rugby standout gets chance at NFL, invite to minicamp
 

Tristan Blewett is already a member of one professional New Orleans franchise.

Can he become a member of another one?

Blewett, who plays rugby with the NOLA Gold, had a private workout with the Saints on Monday, according to a source.

The 22-year old from South Africa also got invited to the team's minicamp, which begins Tuesday and ends on Thursday, according to the source. Blewett is listed at 5-foot-10, 191 pounds on the Gold roster. He plays outside center and wing in rugby.

It is unclear which position the Saints will try to play Blewett. But the skill sets for the position he plays in rugby look most likely to translate to those of a running back, a slot receiver, a safety, gunner or kickoff and punt returns.

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Saints coach Sean Payton spoke last week about how important it is for coaches to not leave any stone unturned when it comes to looking for talent.

"We’re in that talent procurement profession, so you’re searching everywhere you can for someone with the right vision," Payton said. "I looked at a rugby player not too long ago on film. We’re not opposed to putting the film on and looking. I think that’s part of evaluating."

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Re: Saints mining Gold: New Orleans rugby standout gets chance at NFL, invite to minicamp
 

The mor eguys we look at the greater chance of finding a gem. Its quite easy to teach a good athlete enough to be effective in a football game.

Re: Saints mining Gold: New Orleans rugby standout gets chance at NFL, invite to minicamp
 

New Orleans is a fairly new pro team. Although they are definitely kicking arse and are currently deep in the playoffs. New Orleans has high school rugby and a feeder system now so that they can be competitive against teams loaded with men who had a rugby ball in their crib.

Rugby players have the right attitude for battle and know how to tackle. I wonder what position he plays? He's probably a flanker, which is our hit man position. Find the ball carrier and stop him. I hope he makes it on special teams. :p

Re: Saints mining Gold: New Orleans rugby standout gets chance at NFL, invite to minicamp
 

Re: Saints mining Gold: New Orleans rugby standout gets chance at NFL, invite to minicamp
 

No chance.

Re: Saints mining Gold: New Orleans rugby standout gets chance at NFL, invite to minicamp
 

About as much chance as a guy selling beer becoming a kick returner or a QB who blocks punts!!

Re: Saints mining Gold: New Orleans rugby standout gets chance at NFL, invite to minicamp
 

Never underestimate a rugby player!:biggun: