Rugby League World Cup 2021 match ball to honour Clive Sullivan

Rugby League World Cup 2021 organisers and match ball supplier Steeden have today revealed the official tournament ball will honour rugby league pioneer Clive Sullivan MBE.
The three RLWC2021 trophiesThe three RLWC2021 trophies
The three RLWC2021 trophies

The ‘Sully Ball’ will be used in all 61 RLWC2021 matches across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments next autumn.

It has been designed in collaboration with the Sullivan family and Steeden to represent the core values of the tournament, the history of international rugby league and recognise the significant positive impact the former Hull, Hull KR and Great Britain legend had on the sport.

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A proud Welshman, the prolific winger made his Britain debut in 1967 and was awarded the captaincy five years later, leading the Great Britain side to World Cup victory in 1972 - the last time any side from these shores lifted the trophy.

As well as being the first black sportsman to captain a British national team, Sullivan scored a 60-metre try against Australia in the decisive game of the tournament, cementing his place as a British sporting icon.

Sullivan, who scored 247 tries in 340 games for Hull but a further 118 in 213 for the Robins, died from cancer at the age of just 42 in 1985.

Next year, 50 years on from the 1972 World Cup, Sullivan will be at the heart of history again when the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments take place across England.

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The ‘Sully Ball’ was unveiled today at the MKM Stadium, the home of Hull FC where Sullivan remains the all-time leading try-scorer.

It will host three RLWC2021 matches and those who are traveling to the games will likely approach on Clive Sullivan Way.

RLWC2021 chief executive Jon Dutton said: “Clive Sullivan is a true British sporting icon.

“A pioneer in our sport and the captain of the last British Rugby League World Cup winning team.

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“It is important to celebrate the rich and vibrant heritage that the sport has and this is a wonderful opportunity to bring to life a key moment from past history.

“What Clive achieved in Rugby League is phenomenal and the wider impact he had in sport and society will always be remembered.

“We are thankful to the Sullivan family and Steeden for their support and for the opportunity to honour Clive during the 50-year anniversary of the 1972 World Cup winning team at the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup next autumn.”

His son Anthony Sullivan, a former Wales and Great Britain international, said: “My father would be both honoured and humbled to see his achievements recognised in this manner.

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“He would, I am sure, take this opportunity to pay tribute to his team-mates and the staff involved in that inspirational World Cup victory.

“For all of the family it will be very special to see him appreciated in this way and for his name to positively impact future generations within the sport.”

Mike Stephenson, member of the 1972 Great Britain World Cup winning team, added: “To recognise Clive and his fantastic achievements as a player and a pioneer on a global scale through the official Rugby League World Cup match ball is special.”

“Clive was a fantastic team-mate and continues to be a great ambassador for our game.

"Through this brilliant initiative we have the opportunity to educate the next generation of fans on the journey of our sport and the positive role Clive played in its success.”