Willie Mason reveals reasons that forced him to part ways with Hull Kingston Rovers – Rugby update
Following his controversial departure from the rugby league club, Hull Kingston Rovers (Hull KR), the renowned second row player, Willie Mason, has unlocked the details regarding the issues that forced him to end the contract with
the British club after just six months of his signing with them.
Auckland born Mason had initially signed a three-year deal with Hull KR, which did not go all the way to its conclusion before it was terminated. After his release confirmation from the club on May 21, he signed with the big money
spending French Top 14 side Toulon. After the code switch, Mason played his first rugby union game on May 29 at Twickenham while representing the Barbarians in their match against England.
Talking to reporters on Wednesday June 1, Mason confirmed that he had wanted to stay at Hull KR for the full length of his contract. He further added that he did not gave any guarantees to the club’s management to ensure his stay
at the club for the three years.
Providing the details about the issues he faced at Hull KR, the 31-year-old Mason elaborated that he signed the contract as a quota player and later club officials requested for his Tongan passport. Club de-registered him after
he failed to produce the Tongan passport.
Mason pointed the incident as the catalyst for his decision to leave the club. He said, “The day before I was de-registered and had to watch from the bench. That was probably the beginning of the end for me at the club.”
Mason further added that, “"I didn't come over to be loaned around like some reject, no way. Anyone in their right mind would not hang around if they were put in the situation I was. It was gut-wrenching being left out for the derby as that was all that
people had talked about since I signed.”
Mason is 6 feet 4 inch tall and weighs 115 kg has played six games for Hull KR. Mason major performance for Hull KR came in their game against the Crusaders in which he won the Man of the Match award.
Mason started his senior professional rugby for Canterbury Bulldogs. He played 148 games for Bulldogs and scored 36 tries in six seasons. He left Bulldogs at the end of the 2007 season and signed with Sydney Roosters for 2008/09 season. He played two seasons
for Roosters making 40 appearances and scoring 32 points with all points coming from tries. In 2010, he represented North Queensland in 24 games before making his Northern Hemisphere switch to Hull KR.
Before making his international debut for Australia in 2002, mason played three games for Tonga. Mason has played 29 games for Australia and in addition to this played 13 State of Origin games for New South Wales.
Mason further added that he is enjoying his time at Toulon and thanked the club management for their deal that enabled him to get involved in the team. Mason is set and fit to play his second rugby union match against Wales this coming Saturday, June 4,
at Millennium Stadium Cardiff.
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