Promising flyhalf Mack Mason will captain the NSW Waratahs against Japanese Top League side the NEC Green Rockets at the CHICHIBUNOMIYA Minato Rugby Festival in Tokyo on Sunday.
Mason, who made his NSW Waratahs Super Rugby debut in 2017, is one of a group of young players who will wear the NSW Waratahs jersey for the first time this year, including starting backrowers Lachlan Swinton, who is on debut, and Maclean Jones, who played one Super Rugby match last year.
On the bench, prop Cody Walker and midfielder Will McDonnell could play their first game for the State team if they take the field.
22-year-old Mason said he was humbled to be named captain.
“It’s a big honour for me and it would be fair to say that I was a little shocked when I found out during our team meeting. It’s a bit surreal but an opportunity that I am extremely proud of,” Mason said.
Sunday’s match is part of a rugby festival to promote the game in Asia and also an opportunity for the team to give the young talent in NSW the chance to play in an international arena.
“We want to show what we are about as a team and display our trademark of playing positive rugby. One of our aims this year is to be consistent in our performances and we want to deliver on that this weekend. This is also an exciting opportunity for those who haven’t had that much game time this year.”
“As for the NEC Green Rockets, we don’t know much about them as they are starting their pre-season only now but Japanese sides like to play the game at pace and they take their line speed to another level so our defence will need to be on point,” he added.
Mason is no stranger to a leadership role, having captained Anglican Church Grammar School in Brisbane and he is also a former Australian Under 20s vice-captain.
NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said Mason was a natural leader.
“His positional role commands someone who can take the lead and make decisions, and Mack has shown the leadership characteristics that make him the ideal choice for the game on Sunday.He is a smart footballer and this opportunity will be a great experience for him and help him develop into a regular Super Rugby player.”
Sunday’s game kicks off at 1100 (Tokyo time; midday AEST) and you can follow all the action on the NSW Waratahs' social media channels.
For the most current updates, head to the Twitter page.
1. Harry Johnson-Holmes
2. Hugh Roach
3. Shambeckler Vui
4. Jed Holloway
5. Ryan McCauley
6. Lachlan Swinton
7. Maclean Jones
8. Brad Wilkin
9. Jake Gordon
10. Mack Mason (captain)
11. Alex Newsome
12. Irae Simone
13. Lalakai Foketi
14. Cam Clark
15. Bryce Hegarty
16. Damien Fitzpatrick
17. Cody Walker
18. Paddy Ryan
19. Tom Staniforth
20. Michael Wells
21. Will Miller
22. Mitchell Short
23. Will McDonnell
24. Taqele Naiyaravoro
