[1] Bass played for the Newton Rangers club in the Auckland Rugby League competition for 4 seasons (1919–1922) before transferring to the Marist Old Boys in 1923.

Bass played in four test matches for New Zealand between 1919 and 1921, against Australia and Great Britain.

[2] Bass also represented Auckland, including in losses to Australia and New South Wales and a 24-16 win over Great Britain in 1920.

In 1925 he captained Auckland City in an 11-24 loss to Great Britain.

[3] In a 3rd round match for City Rovers in the first grade competition against Ponsonby United in 1927 Bass tore his knee cartilage which forced his early retirement.