Pedersen Sets The Tone With Team of The Week Honors and Sensational Hit

Feb. 18 2020, (LAS VEGAS) Mason Pedersen earned more than just the Austin Gilgronis first ever player of the week honors; one of Austin’s longest tenured players set down a warning shot on one of rugby’s favorite stars.

In 2017, Pedersen joined the Austin Huns after a 2016 championship run with the Ohio Aviators in the defunct PRO rugby league. As both a High School All-American & Collegiate All-American Mason had already established himself as one of the best young props in the United States. With the Huns, Mason shined in the club ranks on the way to bringing home Austin’s first Club National Championship.

On Saturday in Vegas, Mason faced his first start of the 2020 season against Rugby United New York (RUNY).

He flew at the challenge from minute one.

Hey Basta, Welcome to the MLR.

‘The Hitman’ Mason Pedersen absolutely blasts the former French international on his first carry of the match! 💥#BigHitAGs💥 pic.twitter.com/qBvaLyTfIr

— Austin Gilgronis (@Gilgronis) February 16, 2020

On New York’s first touch of the match scrumhalf Marcus Walsh looked for the club’s main attraction; Matthieu Bastareaud. The former French International had been one of the lauded signings of the off-season in the biggest media market in the league.

Merci ! For your welcoming, good hit 👏🏾!
It woke me up a bit #stayhumble 🙏🏾

— Mathieu Bastareaud (@BastaOfficiel) February 16, 2020

Basteareaud got his redemption. The freshly transitioned no. 8 went on to score his first MLR try just a minute later. “Merci!” Bastareaud tweets, “Thank you for your welcome. #StayHumble.”

Mason too came through with a try of his own in the 50th minute to set off the AG’s comeback attempt. On the day Mason was a menace at the breakdown with 9 cleanouts to pair with dominant tackles that oohed the AG’s faithful and neutral supporter alike.

Congrats to Mason on his Team of The Week honor and cheers to many more for the AG’s!