Former Australian rugby union junior star Mason Gordon retires at just 22 due to concussion
With head knocks becoming a major focus for football codes, a 22-year-old rising rugby star has been forced to walk away from the sport with concussion fears.
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Queensland rugby is reeling after the shock retirement of fullback Mason Gordon aged just 22, following a concussion suffered in pre-season training.
The younger brother of former Wallaby turned NRL player Carter Gordon, Mason revealed on Wednesday morning he could no longer continue his career at Queensland Reds in an open letter to supporters.
He becomes one of Australia’s youngest footballers forced to retire due to a head injury.
“After sustaining a concussion during pre-season training from which I continue to have symptoms, and with the support of medical advice, I have made the difficult decision to retire from rugby on medical grounds,” Gordon said.
“This is not how, or when, I anticipated my career concluding after I signed a contract at the Queensland Reds in October 2024, the same year I made my Super Rugby debut for the Melbourne Rebels.
“This is an unfortunate injury, however I am grateful for the memories I have of my professional rugby career and will cherish the friendships I have made forever.
I want to express my thanks to all of the medical staff who have been involved in this process, especially Karl Denvir (Head Of Medical) and Neil Stevenson (Team Doctor) at the Queensland Reds.”
It was not immediately clear whether Gordon has had a history of concussion, or if the one blow in pre-season training was his first head injury.
Gordon played four Super Rugby games for Melbourne Rebels before signing with the Reds last year, having come through the junior Queensland pathway system.
“I also want to thank the Queensland Reds organisation as a whole, especially Les Kiss and Sam Cordingley, who have given me the opportunity to achieve a childhood dream of mine and play for Queensland,” Gordon said.
“Having the opportunity to make my Reds debut against the Welsh national team with my lifelong best mate Louis Werchon is a special memory, as was having the opportunity to tour Tonga, Japan and the UK as a Queensland Red. My short time at the Reds was enjoyable, and the strong culture of the Reds means I am excited to watch their future success as a supporter.
“I want to also thank Brisbane Boys’ College, Wests Bulldogs Rugby Club and the Melbourne Rebels for encouraging my love of the game and all contributing to giving me the opportunity to play professional rugby.
Finally, I want to thank my parents for their ongoing support and assistance in making this decision.
“Concussion is a topic of interest within world sport, and I understand people might be interested in speaking with me about what I have experienced, but I request that media respect my privacy and also my ongoing challenges.
“I am grateful that I have been able to continue my studies. I’m in the final year of an undergraduate degree at QUT, studying property economics. I’m excited for the next chapter and want to thank all of the friends and family who have supported me on and off the field.”
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Originally published as Former Australian rugby union junior star Mason Gordon retires at just 22 due to concussion
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