Queensland Reds teen Mason Gordon has introduced his shock retirement at 22, penning an open letter explaining his resolution due to ongoing concussion signs.
Gordon, the brother of Gold Coast Titans recruit and former Wallabies fly-half Carter Gordon, joined the Reds halfway via final 12 months after the demise of the Melbourne Rebels.
He performed in Queensland’s tour match in opposition to Wales after which toured Tonga as a part of a improvement squad, and later headed north with the Reds for his or her preseason matches in opposition to Bristol and Ulster.
However a head knock at coaching in Brisbane restricted him from making his first Tremendous Rugby Pacific look with the Reds and finally compelled him to hold up the boots for good.
“After sustaining a concussion throughout preseason coaching from which I proceed to have signs, and with the help of medical recommendation, I’ve made the tough resolution to retire from rugby on medical grounds,” Gordon wrote.
“This isn’t how, or when, I anticipated my profession concluding after I signed a contract on the Queensland Reds in October 2024, the identical 12 months I made my Tremendous Rugby debut for the Melbourne Rebels.
“That is an unlucky damage, nonetheless I’m grateful for the reminiscences I’ve of my skilled Rugby profession and can cherish the friendships I’ve made endlessly.
“I need to specific my due to the entire medical employees who’ve been concerned on this course of, particularly Karl Denvir (Head Of Medical) and Neil Stevenson (Staff Physician) on the Queensland Reds.
“I additionally need to thank the Queensland Reds organisation as an entire, particularly Les Kiss and Sam Cordingley, who’ve given me the chance to attain a childhood dream of mine and play for Queensland.”
Whereas Carter Gordon opted for a code change following the Rebels’ exit, Mason threw himself into incomes a take care of the Reds. And he did simply that, impressing sufficient to earn a contract for 2025 to play beneath Wallabies coach-elect Les Kiss.
However his future now lies away from rugby, although he says he’ll stay a eager supporter of the Reds.
“Having the chance to make my Reds debut in opposition to the Welsh nationwide workforce with my lifelong greatest mate Louis Werchon is a particular reminiscence, as was having the chance to tour Tonga, Japan and the UK as a Queensland Crimson. My quick time on the Reds was satisfying, and the robust tradition of the Reds means I’m excited to observe their future success as a supporter,” Gordon continued.
“I need to additionally thank Brisbane Boys’ School, Wests Bulldogs Rugby Membership and the Melbourne Rebels for encouraging my love of the sport and all contributing to giving me the chance to play skilled Rugby.
“Lastly, I need to thank my dad and mom for his or her ongoing help and help in making this resolution.
“Concussion is a subject of curiosity inside world sport, and I perceive folks could be enthusiastic about talking with me about what I’ve skilled, however I request that media respect my privateness and likewise my ongoing challenges.
“I’m grateful that I’ve been in a position to proceed my research. I am within the remaining 12 months of an undergraduate diploma at QUT, learning Property Economics. I am excited for the following chapter and need to thank the entire family and friends who’ve supported me on and off the sphere.”
Carter Gordon has in the meantime been sidelined by a major again damage, which has prevented him from making his NRL debut.
