Biography
Joseph Maso, better known as Jo Maso, was born on December 27, 1944, in Toulouse, France. Maso made his mark in both rugby league (Rugby à XIII) and rugby union (Rugby à XV), evolving into one of France’s most recognized players. Maso played primarily as a center and fly-half, bringing his dynamic play to several prestigious French clubs before transitioning into coaching and management after his playing career. His legacy continued off the field, where he managed the French national team to multiple successes, cementing his place as a rugby icon.
Teams Played For (and Years)
- XIII Catalan (1959-1962) – Rugby à XIII
- RC Toulon (1962-1964) – Rugby à XV
- USA Perpignan (1964-1968) – Rugby à XV
- RC Narbonne (1968-1977) – Rugby à XV
International Appearances
Jo Maso represented the French national rugby team between 1966 and 1973. Over these years, he earned 25 caps for France, scoring 15 points through 4 tries. His international career highlights include winning the prestigious Five Nations Championship in 1967 and being part of the first-ever Grand Slam victory for France in 1968.
Key Moments in His Rugby Career
- Switching from Rugby League to Rugby Union: Maso began his rugby career in the XIII format, winning a junior title with XIII Catalan, before making the switch to the XV code in 1962 with Toulon. This marked the beginning of his storied career in rugby union.
- Five Nations and Grand Slam Glory: A standout moment came in 1967, when Maso helped France to win the Five Nations Championship, but his crowning achievement came in 1968 when he was part of the team that secured France’s first-ever Grand Slam in the Five Nations tournament.
- Leadership and Legacy: After retiring as a player in 1977, Maso continued to contribute to French rugby. He became the manager of the national team in 1995 and was instrumental in guiding France to multiple Grand Slam victories in 1997, 1998, 2002, 2004, and 2010. His long-standing role as team manager earned him a reputation as a key figure in French rugby’s modern history.
- International Recognition: In 2003, Jo Maso was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame, a testament to his impact on the sport both on and off the field.
Conclusion
Jo Maso’s contributions to rugby extend far beyond his playing days. From winning championships to managing the French national team through a golden era, Maso remains a revered figure in rugby history. His career serves as a beacon of excellence and dedication for future generations of players.