Mason to be inducted into USC Rugby Hall of Fame

Geoff Mason was a dominate lock and flanker during the early 80s.

By Shelby Rosen, Rugby Intern

Editor's note: USC Rugby will induct 7 members into our Hall of Fame April 18. Profiles of each recipient will be posted on our website and on social media during the months leading up to the event.

Geoff Mason, a dominant rugby player of the early 1980s and a longtime coach, will be inducted into the Gamecock Rugby Hall of Fame April 18. 

Born in New South Wales, Australia, Mason began playing rugby at the age of six after being introduced to the sport by his father. He competed in youth rugby and later on the professional circuit in rugby league, where he struck up a relationship with a Cleveland native visiting Australia. 

When his professional contract expired in 1979, Mason pulled up roots and moved to Cleveland with his girlfriend. 

“I was young and wanted something new,” Mason said. “And I had always wanted to travel to the United States.” 

The couple frequently visited her family’s vacation home in Fort Lauderdale, often making stopovers in Columbia during the 20-hour drive south. Drawn to the city’s charm, they decided to relocate to the capital city in 1980. 

An English and history teacher by trade, Mason chose to pursue a new career path in Columbia. He enrolled at the University of South Carolina as a graduate student, earning a degree in public administration. 

In 1980, Mason was exploring campus when he noticed the USC rugby team practicing on Blatt Field. After the session, he introduced himself to head coach Jean-Pierre Chambas and soon joined the team. 

A lock and flanker, Mason played for the Gamecocks from 1980 to 1986. He earned state and Southeast All-Star honors, helped lead USC to two state championships, and eventually took over as a player-coach following Chambas’ retirement. 

After appearing in more than 100 matches as a Gamecock, Mason joined the Columbia Olde Grey Rugby Club in 1986. He played with the club until retiring as a full-time player in 1992, at which point he returned to USC to coach. 

In total, Mason served 18 years as a volunteer assistant coach and head coach. Known as a gritty, straight-talking player and mentor, he relished the opportunity to work with young athletes and give back to the game that had given him so much. 

“Geoff has been one of the most influential people in all aspects of the program,” said former teammate Chris Murphy. “He was a top-tier player and an outstanding coach.” 

Outside of rugby, Mason built a distinguished career in public service. He worked for the South Carolina General Assembly as a research manager before joining the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (DMH) in 1994 as Chief of Staff. He later became Deputy State Director, overseeing the state’s 46 community mental health centers and, for a time, the eight hospitals in the DMH inpatient system. He retired in 2018. 

Mason is married to Christi, and he has two children: Liam, a student at the College of Charleston School of Law, and Hayley, a former USC swimming and diving standout who now attends law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The family resides in Columbia, where Mason remains a regular presence at USC rugby matches. 

Though retired, Mason has not stepped away from the game. He currently serves as head coach of the United States Wheelchair Rugby League team, which he led to England for the 2022 World Cup. He is now preparing the squad for another World Cup in Australia later this year. 

To RSVP for the Gamecock Rugby Hall of Fame Gala, please visit our events page.