#204 – Challenge Cup Winner Keith Mason on Resilience & Reinvention

Sport Is Life

If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife

Ready to apply these lessons to your own life and performance? Start building your personal Game Plan today, click here https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership

Episode Summary:

From the rugby field to the big screen, Keith Mason’s story is one of grit, redemption, and unwavering discipline. A former Challenge Cup-winning player and England/Wales international, Keith opens up about the dark side of elite sport—career-ending injuries, court battles, depression, and life after rugby, and how he rebuilt himself through faith, fitness, and purpose.

He shares how rugby league saved his life, the lessons learned under Craig Bellamy at the Melbourne Storm, and how fatherhood and mentoring his son, now a Wigan Warriors player, reignited his passion for the game. Keith also dives into his acting career, working with Mickey Rourke and Joe Calzaghe, his comic series Rugby Blood, and the power of channeling pain into purpose.

This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter how tough your start or how deep your struggles, discipline, faith, and perseverance can rewrite your story.

About the Guest:

Keith Mason

Professional Actor

Keith Mason is an ex professional Rugby league player. He played for 14 years, winning the Challenge Cup in 2004 and played in 2 more Challenge Cup finals at Triclinium and Wembley. He played for Wakefield Wildcats, Melbourne Storm, St. Helens, Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers. Keith also represented his country of England and Wales. Keith is now an actor starring in the hit movie Skin Traffik, starring Mickey Rourke, Daryl Hanna, Eric Roberts, Michael Madison.

This movie is about redemption, he plays Mr. Vogel's henchman with Mickey Rourke as Mr. Stiner. Keith Mason also stars in Guy Ritchie's big picture King Arthur, to be released next year. He is also starring in The Connection. he has had several parts in several television dramas such as: Peaky Blinders, Bulletproof, Cold Feet. He also starred in imperative, Killers Anonymous, Missing Goods and the upcoming feature film Jack Stall Is Dead.

Keith Mason is the proud owner of the franchise Rugby Team, RUGBY BLOOD. He is created the 1st ever Rugby comic in history along with a successful Netflix series. Keith Mason is a Philanthropist, he supports numerous charities including: Para Dance UK, and Life For A Kid. He is a fitness enthusiast and a great humanitarian.

Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithmason_official?igsh=MXI5NjBtMzh0Y2Q4aA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithlukemason?_t=ZN-90KYyqVXMgg&_r=1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17AcaqULm5/?mibextid=wwXIfr

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/

Check Me Out On:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins

Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.