Arriving
with us from Massy in July, 2007, Bruce played a leading role in the French club's
attempt to gain promotion to the Pro D2. A very good line-out forward, he is a
sound receiver of kick-offs and is a strong and aggressive ball carrier who has
played a number of seasons in South Africa's Currie Cup competition.
Bruce
first played rugby at Selborne Primary School, East London, aged 9, but rugby
wasn't his only developing sporting interest, as he also played water polo. As
a goalkeeper he represented Eastern Province Schools, him interested to learn
on his arrival in Cornwall that the game is also played here - there a number
of former Pirates who have played both rugby and water polo for the county.
Old
Selbornians was his first rugby club, one that has produced 'Springbok' stars
such as Mark Andrews and Andre Vos, plus a Formula 1 racing champion in Jody Scheckter!
Selborne
College is one of the great South African schools, named after Lord Selborne the
second Earl of Selborne from Hampshire, England, who served as British High Commissioner
to the Cape (1895-1907) before being appointed British Governor of Transvaal.
Bruce
worked as a panel beater in his father Robin's business, whilst in rugby he progressed
to play for Border Bulldogs, making his debut for them in a Vodacom Cup match
in 2000. Appearances in South Africa's famous Currie Cup competition followed,
playing also for Griquas before making a return to the Border Bulldogs team.
