Bryan was born in 1887 in Sydney, Australia. He was the son of John Francis Hughes, a member of the Upper House of the New South Wales Parliament, and Mary Rose Gilhooley. His older brother James was also a rugby union player.   
 
Bryan was already 26 when he was selected to play for New South Wales in 1913, where he played against a Maori team and impressed the selectors. He was subsequently named to the national team as a third-row winger.

Despite his short career in international rugby, he played a decisive role in one of the Wallabies' most remarkable victories thanks to two masterful conversions. His talents earned him a mention in the press at the time. 
 
Unfortunately, his promising career was cut short by the First World War. Hughes joined the Army and was posted to the Royal Dublin Fusiliers as a Second Lieutenant. He was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of his courage and leadership on the battlefield in 1916.

Sadly, Bryan was killed in action at Borre on 6 August 1918. 

His body lies in Borre British Cemetery (II.G.2).