Dickison played for the Eastern Suburbs in the Canterbury Rugby League competition. He represented New Zealand at the under 17 and under 19 levels before first being selected for the New Zealand national rugby league team in 1975 as part of the World Cup. Dickison scored three tries in his debut against Southwest France.[4] Dickison again played for the Kiwis in 1980, finishing his career with 19 matches for New Zealand, including six Test matches. In his career with New Zealand, Bruce Dickison scored eight tries.[citation needed]
In 1973 Dickison shared the A.G.Bailey Challenge Cup as the leading try-scorer in the Canterbury Rugby League. Dickison moved to the Sydenham club between 1977 and 1980 before finishing his career with Papanui in 1983.[4] He finished his career with 125 tries in the Canterbury Rugby League competition.[citation needed]