An innocuous training incident has forced Wallabies hopeful Mason Gordon into early retirement.
Queensland Reds teammate Lachlan Anderson, who paid tribute to Gordon’s “selfless” nature, insists players will not become hesitant in contact, nor fear for their safety, in the fallout of his teammate’s heartbreaking decision.
The 22-year-old brother of former Test star and Gold Coast Titans’ NRL convert Carter Gordon penned a letter announcing his medical departure from rugby union, having suffered ongoing symptoms of concussion.
Mason Gordon in his Reds kit.
Gordon, who represented Australia in the Junior Wallabies, has continued his studies at QUT in property economics, highlighting his excitement for the next chapter of his life while asking for privacy as he came to terms with his new reality.
Reds coach Les Kiss confirmed Gordon suffered his concussion during a preseason session. He had featured for his home state against Wales, and on tours to Tonga, Japan and the United Kingdom, but was unable to make his Super Rugby debut for the club.
Anderson, who arrived at Ballymore from the Melbourne Rebels with Gordon, was adamant players would not be any more wary of the risks they faced on the field.
“We’re playing a contact sport, but I think in terms of the headspace, World Rugby have been very proactive – I think we’re one of the leading sports in terms of protecting the head and how far we’ve come in the last five to 10 years,” the Queensland flyer said.
“There are people higher than me making those informed decisions and taking every step we can as we’re learning to protect that space, so I think we’re leading the way.
“It’s obviously sad, but I’ve been fortunate enough to spend the last couple of years with Mason – I’ve watched him grow and develop on and off the field, achieve his goals, and he’s a bloody good bloke.
“I’m looking forward to seeing his next chapter because whatever path he chooses to go down he’s going to have some great success.”
The Reds will head to Canberra for Saturday’s clash against the Brumbies with the added motivation to thrive in Gordon’s honour, but the issue of concussion in sport will linger.
World Rugby have spearheaded research initiatives and changed community tackle height laws in a bid to eradicate avoidable head trauma. The NRL’s perceived crackdown on high tackles – done with a focus on player welfare – has drawn the ire of pundits for inconsistent rulings.
Kiss, who made his name as a winger for the North Sydney Bears and Queensland Maroons before the health research and head injury assessment protocols were as prevalent, said the 15-man code had given players every reason to feel confident in the approach to safety.
“One of the things we’re very proactive on here is making sure we have a very good training environment and manage things as best as possible – it was certainly an innocuous situation,” Kiss said.
“He’s been well looked after by our medical staff, he hasn’t been sitting on his heels either – he’s been working hard on his qualifications in property economics, which is part of what we do in rugby in making sure people are well looked after when they do retire through different situations.
“I think we’ve seen massive improvement – we’ve got the mouthguards they wear to monitor those things, and those things you see often spike up in a game, those replacements are made, and the right procedures are in place to ensure we do the right thing by the player.
“I know World Rugby is right at the forefront of everything we are trying to do in that area. We’re very care-focused and player first, and we want to look after people.”
Other athletes forced into early retirement by concussions
AFL
- Justin Clarke – Brisbane Lions, aged 22
- Marcus Adams – Brisbane Lions, aged 30
- Daniel Venables – West Coast Eagles, aged 22
- Josh Carmichael – Collingwood Magpies, aged 24
- Nathan Murphy – Collingwood Magpies, aged 24
- Aiden O’Driscoll – Western Bulldogs, aged 18
- Angus Brayshaw – Melbourne Demons, aged 28
NRL
- Keegan Hipgrave – Parramatta Eels/Gold Coast Titans, aged 24
- Boyd Corder – Sydney Roosters, aged 29
- Dale Finucane – Melbourne Storm/Cronulla Sharks, aged 32
- Jake Friend – Sydney Roosters, aged 31
