Bryan Desmond Hughes


Bryan Desmond Hughes MC was an Australian soldier and international rugby union player. He was one of a number of Australian rugby internationals who were killed during the First World War.

Early life

Bryan Hughes was born in Sydney, the son of the Hon. John Francis Hughes and his wife, Mary Rose Gilhooley. His elder brother James was also an Australian rugby union representative player. He attended Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview. Playing as a flanker, Hughes claimed two international rugby caps for Australia.

Military service

Placed into action during World War I as a second lieutenant with the 8th Battalion, 48th Brigade of the 16th Division, and with the 1st Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, Hughes was awarded the Military Cross. He was killed on 6 August 1918, and is buried at the British Cemetery in Borre, Nord, France.

International appearances

OppositionScoreResultDateVenue
13–25Lost13 September 1913Carisbrook, Dunedin, New Zealand
16–5Won20 September 1913Lancaster Park, Christchurch, New Zealand