PNBHS 1971-1975 – Kia Ora Club

In 1971, Bruce played for the 4th Grade Rugby Team with Mr Thana Na Nagera. In 1972 he went on to play for the 3rd Grade A Rugby team with Mr Flannery. The Palmerstonian in 1972 reads, “B.Hemara proved an able hooker and rugged forward”. During his schooling years, Bruce was also a talented boxer and softball player.

In 1973, Bruce was part of the PNBHS A Softball Team who were the winners of the Manawatu Third Division and again in 1974, who became the winners of the Men’s Manawatu B Division. In that same year, Bruce participated at the school boxing championships and won the Middleweight Championships and in 1975 won the Light Heavy Weight Championships where he received the Hopwood Cup for the most scientific boxer.

Bruce made his debut for the PNBHS 1st XV in 1973 and later went on to become the captain in 1975. During these years he went on the Australian Tours in 1973/75. He won the Moascar Cup off New Plymouth BHS but lost it to Mount Albert Grammar. He was the recipient of the Secker Award – For Outstanding Contribution to Rugby.

After Bruce left school he joined Freyberg Rugby Club where he continued his rugby journey and played for Manawatu. In 1982 Bruce played for the New Zealand Maori team – presently known as the Maori All Blacks that did two major tours of Wales and Spain and in 1988 Italy, France, Spain and Argentina. In 1983 Bruce was named the Player of the Year for Manawatu.

In 1985 Bruce was called into the All Blacks and became All Black No. 859 featuring in three games but unfortunately no tests. In 1986 he was selected to play against France, but had to withdraw because of injury and his replacement was Sean Fitzpatrick.

In 1998, Bruce began to pursue his coaching career. From 1998-2003 and 2010-2016 he coached in Spain for Santboiana in Barcelona. He became Andorra National Coach from 2004-2005. From 2006-2010 he was the Assistant Coach for Manawatu Turbos with Dave Rennie.

After playing a total of 108 provincial games for Manawatu, and becoming the Manawatu assistant coach, Bruce became the Manawatu Rugby Union President.