[3] Bruce was signed by Hampshire ahead of the 2003 season,[2] making his debut for the county in a first-class match against Oxford UCCE.
In June, he claimed his maiden five wicket haul with 5 for 43 to guide Hampshire to a 299 runs victory against Nottinghamshire.
[7] His good form also carried over into one-day cricket, with Bruce taking 4 for 18 in Hampshire's 62 runs victory over Gloucestershire in the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy.
[4][6] Bruce announced his retirement in February 2008, in order to pursue a job in the City of London, having spent the previous three winters gaining work experience there.
[10] Commenting after his retirement, then Hampshire team manager Paul Terry noted that "in the right conditions, he has become one of the better English-born bowlers.