RL WORLD CUP WINNERS 1972 GREAT BRITAIN (Part Three)

RL World Cup winners of 1972 were Great Britain. They were led by the great Clive Sullivan.

The RLWC Final Great Britain Lions v Australia Kangaroos

Having beaten Australia, France, and New Zealand in the group stages. Great Britain went through to the final. Australia had easily defeated France to finish second in the group and booked their place. And the two best teams met at Lyon in one of the epic games in international Rugby League history.
Both teams ripped into each other early. Powerful Aussie backs like Bob Fulton and big Mark Harris were met head-on by Britain’s centre pairing of Chris Hesketh and John Walsh. And in the forwards Aussie giants like Beetson, O’Neill, and O’Reilly found Clawson, Nicholls and company stand firm. Behind them was the brilliant little halfback Steve Nash, controlling the rucks and tackling everything that moved.

Read more Great Britain Captain Clive Sullivan swoops to score the greatest try

Prop ‘Lurch’ O’Neill galloped 30 yards to score at the corner and Australia looked in control as half-time approached. Then came one of the most famous incidents in Rugby League folklore. As Loose Forward George Nicholls hit the huge Centre Harris with a massive tackle as he headed for the line. The ball jolted loose. And British skipper Clive Sullivan swooped to pick it up and sprint 80 yards down the touchline to score. And put his team level. It was a wonderful moment.

RL World Cup Winners. Legends Mike Stevenson takes a clever pass from Brian Lockwood to draw level

And, in the second half. Britain came back again after the Aussies had gone ahead 10-5. Just seven minutes from full-time. Sullivan found a gap. And passed to Brian Lockwood, who wrong-footed the defence to send hooker Stevenson over. Fingernails were bitten, but Clawson showed nerves of steel to slot over the equalising conversion.

RL World Cup Winners of 1972. Captain Clive Sullivan lifts the RLWC Trophy

Skipper Clive Sullivan lifted the cup for Great Britain for Great Britain after a 10-all draw. After extra-time. Britain were declared winners on a countback because they had the most points from the qualifying matches. Effectively, the 1972 Rugby League World Cup was won by Britain at Perpignan in the opening match against the Kangaroos.

Rugby League Cares and Manufacturing

With every sale, Rugby League Cares receives donations as a charity. Donations help players transition out of the sport. Also, it supports players’ past and present who are enduring poor health or hardship.

The 1972 Rugby League T-Shirt World Cup Vintage Navy features a puff print technique that provides a 3D effect. This style is available in Navy or White and is available in sizes S to 5XL.

Also, we also offer a Great Britain Rugby League Shirt 1958. In addition the Vintage Great Britain Rugby League Shirt 1970.