World Cup - Golden Lions - Clive Sullivan

World Cups (3) - Great Britain 1968, 1972; Wales 1975
Tries 9

Details from the Sportal Rugby League World Cup 2000 Greatest Players site

Great Britain winger Clive Sullivan’s first World Cup was a disaster for the team but quite successful for himself. He played in three of Britain’s fixtures, scoring a try in the first against Australia and in the final game, a 38-14 win over New Zealand in Sydney, he became the first British player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match.

By 1972 Clive had risen to the Great Britain captaincy and was in charge for the tournament in France. He led his under-rated Lions to victory over Australia (27-21), France (13-4) and New Zealand (53-19), claiming a try in each game. However, he is best remembered for his superlative touchdown in the final of the competition against favourites Australia. His length of the field run to score in the 10-10 draw at Lyon is arguably the most famous try in the history of the World Cup. Sully was the last British captain to lift the World Cup.

In 1975 Sullivan was still causing mayhem to defences and represented Wales in four World Championship matches. His last try at this level effectively won the World title for Australia, as Wales beat England 12-7 at Brisbane, thanks to Sullivan’s match-clinching try after chasing a ball over the English line. His final three games in the tournament, however, all ended in losses. Clive’s son Anthony emulated his father by representing Wales in the 1995 World Cup.

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