Bruce Elias Malouf

Bruce Malouf was a hard-working, tough and mobile hooker whose biggest opportunity at national level was stolen from him by injury.

Born in Coonabarabran, Malouf was educated at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill from where he represented Australian Schools. He joined the Randwick club and was promoted to 1st Grade in 1977 however his breakout year did not arrive until 1980.

In a two month period Malouf debuted for Sydney against Victoria, for New South Wales against Queensland and was then named in the Wallaby squad for their tour to Fiji as the understudy to Bill Ross. A year later Malouf played for both Sydney and NSW against the touring French before he was selected as reserve during the Test series. As such Malouf held the inside running for a spot on the Wallabies’ 1981-82 tour to Britain. Unfortunately Malouf did not play one single game after he suffered a hairline fracture above his ankle in a pre-tour training session in London.

In 1982 Bill Ross and eight of his fellow Queenslanders declared they were unavailable for the Australian tour of New Zealand.As a consequence Malouf and Parramatta’s Lance Walker were the two hookers selected in the squad. When the team for the 1st Test in Christchurch was announced there were three debutants - Malouf, Andy McIntyre and John Coolican - selected in the front row for the first time since 1946.

Despite a strong second half fightback from 3-19 at the break Australia were beaten 16-23. Coach Bob Dwyer made two front-row changes for Wellington and Walker came in to make his Test debut.

Bruce Malouf played one Test for Australia and will forever be Wallaby #628.

Highlights

1975

Represented Australian Schools on their tour of New Zealand.

1982

Malouf made his Test debut at hooker in the 1st Test, 16-23 loss to New Zealand at Lancaster Park.