April 9 is a significant date in Rugby League as the birthday of the late, great Clive Sullivan MBE – and this year, to mark the 50th anniversary of his historic captaincy of Great Britain’s last World Cup winners, the RFL’s technical kit suppliers OXEN are launching a limited edition jersey.
The shirt features the traditional Royal and Blue Great Britain Chevron and is 100% cotton. The iconic Lions logo features on the left chest and official authentic tag makes this celebratory shirt a true collectors’ piece. The numbers are strictly limited and available online only.
Sullivan, the flying Welsh wing who discovered Rugby League during his military service in Yorkshire and became a legend on both sides of Hull’s 13-a-side divide, scored one of the most famous tries in the sport’s history on 11 November 1972 in the draw against Australia in Lyon which secured Great Britain’s World Cup triumph.
He died of cancer at the tragically young age of 42 in 1985, and £5 from each sale of the special commemorative jersey will be donated to Marie Curie at the request of his wife, Ros.
“It is lovely that Clive will be remembered in this way on his birthday, especially with the chance to raise some money for the Marie Curie charity,” said Ros. “We are all proud of what he achieved in his life and rugby career, and it is very touching to know that he is still remembered so fondly by so many supporters.”
Mike Smith, the Vice President of the Rugby Football League, added: “The main road into the City of Hull is called the Clive Sullivan Way, which is an indication of how much he was respected in Hull. Clive is a legend to both Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers supporters, but is also deservedly remembered as a pioneer for British sport.
“To lead Great Britain to the World Cup in 1972 as our first black captain is something for which he will always be remembered. This is definitely a striking jersey to mark the 50 year anniversary of that historic triumph – and it’s great that we will also be raising money for a good cause which is close to the family’s heart.”
These iconic shirts are now exclusively available online at Elite Pro Sports for £49.99 and come in their very own presentation box. Adult sizing Small to 6XL are being stocked, make sure you celebrate Clive’s history with Oxen’s latest Rugby Jersey release. Shop now!
