12 Facts About Bob Bugden

Robert Alfred Bugden was an Australian professional rugby league footballer.

Bob Bugden was a halfback with the St George Dragons in the first half of their 11-year consecutive premiership winning run from 1956 to 1966.

Bob Bugden was a representative in the Australian national team in 1959 and 1960, making two test appearances.

Bob Bugden grew up in northern New South Wales and attended Murwillimbah High School where he played rugby union.

Bob Bugden moved to Sydney aged 15 as a cadet with the Commonwealth Bank and was posted to Wollongong where he played under-18 rugby league for Nowra-Shellharbour.

Bob Bugden was a champion beach sprinter with the Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, winning three national beach flags titles.

Bob Bugden played with the St George Dragons' Presidents Cup side in 1954 aged 18 and late that season appeared in reserve grade.

Bob Bugden was the Dragons' first choice half-back for the first six of their consecutive premiership victories from 1956 to 1961 and played 135 club games, scoring 56 tries for the club.

Bob Bugden followed his Dragons' coach and captain Ken Kearney to Parramatta where he played a further four seasons, often as vice-captain.

Bob Bugden was selected in the 1960 World Cup squad and although he did not play in any tournament matches, made two tour match appearances for Australia after the World Cup.

Bob Bugden made his Test debut in the 1960 domestic series against France for the 2nd Test in Brisbane.

Bob Bugden died in Gold Coast, Queensland on 2 November 2023, at the age of 87.