Edmund George Broad

Eddie Broad was a sure-handed, confident and unflustered fly half who found himself locked in a three-way battle with ‘Mick’ Cremin and Neville Emery for the Test position during the late 1940s. Broad was described as a private man, somewhat shy, who appeared surprised with his own fame. He was a complete team man and a model representative for his country.

Born and bred in Brisbane, Broad starred during his schoolboy years at The Southport School where he played two seasons in the 1st XV (1937-38). The 1938 season proved an outstanding success as TSS went through undefeated in eight matches to secure the rugby premiership. Broad also achieved high honours in his studies and won the Chelmsford and Edgar Walker Memorial Prize as Dux of the school.

After he graduated Broad joined University, began a law degree, played first grade and was named in the Queensland team to play in the 1939 inter-University rugby carnival in Adelaide. In 1941 Broad joined the Royal Australian Air Force and went on to be a war-time hero. A Flight Lieutenant who became a Squadron Leader with Bomber Command, Broad was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the 1939-45 Star, the France and Germany Star and the Defence Medal. A more than handy ‘A’ grade level cricketer, Broad had one game in England during his service when he played for the R.A.A.F. against Sir Pelham Warner's XI at Lord’s.

Upon his return to rugby with the GPS club, Broad earned a debut for Queensland in 1947, was as a reserve for both home Tests against New Zealand and won selection on the Third Wallabies tour to the U.K., France, and North America. Emery started in each of the five internationals on that tour however an opportunity finally presented itself for Broad in 1949 when his rival was away in New Zealand with the Australian Universities side. As a consequence Broad made his Test debut against the Maori in Sydney however as a result of a 3-12 defeat the selectors made three changes in the backs, including a recalled Emery for Broad, for the second Test in Brisbane. Early the following year Broad joined Emery in retirement as he turned his sporting attention to horse racing. He later became chairman of the Doomben Racing Committee, was made a judge, coached Queensland and chaired Queensland's Olympic Committee.

Eddie Broad played one Test for Australia and will forever be Wallaby #358.

Highlights

1949

Broad won his first Test cap at fly half in combination with Roy Cawsey in the 1st Test, 3-12 loss to the Maori at the S.C.G.