Black History Month: 21 October 2020
Clive Sullivan, a Welsh rugby league player, was the first black captain for Great Britain in any sport. Born in Cardiff, his rugby journey began in 1961 while he was serving in the army. He was chosen to play in an inter-corps match, and showed great potential, despite having injury doubts. Sullivan was eventually picked up by Hull FC. Although his first seasons were hampered by his army commitments and some injury concerns, he featured more prominently in 1964 after becoming free from his military duties. Whilst at Hull, he made 352 appearances and scored 250 tries.
During the 1960s and 70s, there were very few black athletes in key positions in British sport, but Sullivan was the person who would change that. Throughout his career, several black sporting role models, such as Tessa Sanderson and Neville Meade, began to feature prominently as well. However, after he led Great Britain to the World Cup, his return was not met with much positivity, due to social and racial issues. Nevertheless, he still broke down racial barriers and undoubtedly impacted Britain sport. After his death in 1985, the city of Hull held him in such high regard that the city centre was renamed Clive Sullivan Way in his honour.
Want to find out more about Clive Sullivan? Click here for more information, or here for more about black people in British sport.
