Vale Bruce Malouf, Wallaby 628

Fri, Nov 15, 2019, 5:00 AM
Rugby Australia
by Rugby Australia
Vale Wallabies hooker, Bruce Malouf. Photo: Randwick Rugby
Vale Wallabies hooker, Bruce Malouf. Photo: Randwick Rugby

The Australian Rugby community is in mourning following the passing of one-Test Wallabies hooker, Bruce Malouf after a long battle with illness.

Hailing from Coonabarabran in country NSW, Malouf commenced his Rugby journey at St Joseph’s College in Hunters Hill, winning two 1st XV premierships as well as earning selection within the Australian Schoolboys side.

Straight out of school he linked up with Randwick DRUFC, making his first-grade debut in 1977, before earning state representative honours for the New South Wales Waratahs in 1980.

Following strong performances at the provincial level, Malouf was included in Australia’s tour of Britain and Ireland. However, an injury at training saw the hooker flown home before the first match.

Malouf returned to the Wallabies fold again in 1982, making his international debut against New Zealand in Christchurch.

Packing down in between John Coolican and Andy McIntyre, the match also marked the first time since 1946 that the entire front-row were on debut.

While Malouf would never feature in another Test match for Australia, he continued his involvement at Randwick, accruing 75 games for the Galloping Greens and winning four Shute Shield Premierships. His career ended with nine caps for New South Wales.

A popular teammate wherever he played, Bruce was a much-loved member of the Randwick Rugby Club and leaves behind his wife Sue, son Christian, daughter Eloise and grandchildren Freddie, Max, Charlotte and Penelope.

He will forever be Wallaby 628.

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