Clive Sullivan: Rugby legend celebrated in new exhibition
By Simon Bristow
A new exhibition celebrating Rugby League legend Clive Sullivan and rugby in Hull has opened at the Streetlife Museum.
Hull Museums has been working with the Sullivan family, Rugby League teams Hull FC and Hull KR, and Hull Roundheads RUFC to tell the story of the city’s relationship with the oval ball, and the legendary talent of Clive Sullivan, via museum collections.
The display includes several loans to the museum on display for the first time.
Clive Sullivan and Rugby in Hull documents the history of rugby clubs in Hull and Sullivan’s monumental achievements.
The display also looks at the development of Hull’s first inclusive rugby team, Hull Roundheads.
Rosalyn Sullivan, wife of the late Clive Sullivan, said: “I’m delighted to lend these personal items of Clive’s to this new display that celebrates him, and rugby in Hull.
“It’s wonderful that Clive is still remembered and appreciated in Hull.”
As well as being the first black player to captain a British team, Sullivan was part of the Great Britain team that won the 1972 Rugby League World Cup. He played 352 games for FC, scoring a club record 250 tries. Sullivan also scored 118 tries in 213 games for Rovers after making the switch from west Hull to east. He is adored by fans of both clubs.
Following his death from cancer at the age of 42 in 1985, one of the main roads in Hull, the A63 between the Humber Bridge and city centre, was named Clive Sullivan Way in his honour.
Interest in the great man remains strong, with Sully, a play telling his life story by Hull playwright Dave Windass, recently being brought back to packed audiences at Hull Truck Theatre, 17 years after it was first performed.
The exhibition opens just ahead of the latest derby between the two clubs, with Rovers hosting FC at Sewell Group Craven Park in the Super League on Sunday July 9, kicking off at noon.
Councillor Rob Pritchard, Hull City Council portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “Clive Sullivan meant so much to our city, a champion player for both Hull FC and Hull KR.
“In 1972 when he was selected to be captain of Great Britain’s rugby league team, this made him the first black player to lead a British national team in any major sport.
“He is remembered fondly as one of Hull’s most well-loved sporting figures and it’s very easy to see why.
“We encourage fans of both clubs to come to the Streetlife Museum to see the display – particularly in the run-up to this week’s Hull Derby.”
The Streetlife Museum is in the Museums Quarter on High Street is open from 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday, and from 11am to 4pm on Sundays. Admission is free.