Less than a year after joining the Queensland Reds, Mason Gordon – the younger brother of Wallaby, Carter – has been forced to retire because of head trauma.
The 22-year-old, who featured for the Junior Wallabies during their 2022 and 2023 under-20s world championship campaigns, suffered an ugly concussion on the eve of this year’s Super Rugby campaign.
It’s believed he copped a double hit, which left the utility back experiencing lingering concussion symptoms that have continued for months.
His medical retirement comes ten months after making his debut for the Reds off the bench against Wales in Brisbane. He was Queensland Red number 1403.
The awful news was announced by the Reds on Wednesday morning, with Gordon penning a letter.
“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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Mason Gordon hoped to step out of his brother’s shadow in 2025 after joining the Queensland Reds. Now, he’s been forced to retire. Photo: Queensland Reds
Earlier this year Gordon spoke of his thrill to play at Suncorp Stadium in front of his home fans.
“It was always a childhood dream to play for the Reds at Suncorp,” Gordon told The Roar.
“Growing up on the Sunshine Coast and then seeing guys like Quade when they were playing was always just so inspiring, so getting my cap in front of Carter and my family was a dream.
“And the fact it happened against Wales … I sort of got called in the week before and I was like, ‘wow, it’s going to happen.’
“Wearing those home colours always means something a bit different, but that doesn’t take away from wearing the Rebels colours when I did.”
Gordon followed his brother to Melbourne and made his debut for the Rebels last year, scoring on debut against the Hurricanes.
He then signed with the Reds shortly after the Rebels’ culling, opting to pursue his rugby dreams rather than follow his older brother to the NRL.
“That was a big reason of getting out from behind him to try to show what I’m made of,” Gordon said.
“I just want to continue on from last year and get the opportunity to play a bit more Super Rugby this year. If that comes, I’ll show what I can offer being that playmaker that can really help out whoever else is on the field.
“I’m really excited to see how we go this year with the shape that we’ve got. It’s going to be really exciting.”
Mason Gordon scored on Super Rugby debut for the Rebels against the Hurricanes in Palmerston North in New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
Gordon’s teammate Tate McDerrmott said he was excited to see what his new Reds teammate would achieve in 2025.
“I think he’ll make an impact,” McDermott said.
“There’s handy competition at the moment, especially with Jock [Campbell], but it’ll be interesting to see how we use Mason.
“I obviously know Mason pretty well through Carter and the Sunshine Coast connection, and his best mate Louis Werchon is here as well. It’s great to see those two roomies knock-and-running and stuff like that.
“He’s a character Mase and a really skillful player. He’s a great addition to the side because he can play in a number of positions; he can cover 10, 15 and wing if he needs to.
“He’s grown every day in this environment under guys like Les and Brad Davis, he’ll flourish under those guys.”
The Queensland Rugby Union wishes to share the following open letter on behalf of Queensland Red No. 1403, Mason Gordon.
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.
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.
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.
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.
