Why Hull FC Will Wear ‘JW90’ On Their 2021 Jerseys

Why Hull FC Will Wear ‘JW90’ On Their 2021 Jerseys

A reminder as to why Hull FC will be wearing ‘JW90’ on their 2021 jerseys…

Club News

The Black & Whites will be carrying ‘JW90’ on their playing jerseys during the 2021 campaign honouring arguably the club’s biggest star of all-time, Johnny Whiteley MBE following his 90th birthday in November – find out more…

The Airlie Birds have been saving up their iconic Black & White irregular hoops for the first time since 2018 to mark the occasion of Whiteley’s birthday, with the jersey modelled on shirts worn by the former club captain in the 50s and 60s.

Additional touches on our principal jersey include the one-off inclusion of a limited-edition version of the three crowns club logo from that era, which will feature on just the principal shirts this season, whilst a photo montage tribute to Johnny is also include inside the collar.

The badge also makes reference to JW90, as well as his heritage number denoting he was the 541st player to make his debut for Hull FC. 

You can watch the 2021 principal jersey launch video here

Whiteley made 417 appearances for the club in a stellar 15 year playing career between 1950 and 1965, leading the club to several honours including the 1956 and 1958 Championship Finals, the 1957 European Championship, and their first appearances at Wembley Stadium!

As well as achieving significant international honours including World Cup winners medals in 1954 and 1960, and an Ashes series victory as Great Britain head coach in 1970, he also went on to coach the Black & Whites in the 1960s, and later receiving his MBE for ‘Services to Rugby League & Community’ in 2006.

Speaking of his delight to see the new jersey, the Rugby League Hall of Fame member said: “The shirt is absolutely brilliant and I can’t thank the club enough for this incredible gesture.

“I’ve been associated with this wonderful family club and the fantastic people who come with it for seventy years now – Hull Football Club is special and this really emphasizes that. 

“I’ve been locked up since January having had an operation prior to the start of the pandemic, so to be in the thoughts of everybody, on what to me is just another day, is really special.

“I’ll treasure this shirt – it can’t get any better than this. I’ll make sure it is handed down to my Great Grandson, who plays for West Hull.”

In a touching birthday surprise, Whiteley was this morning presented with the very first edition of the jersey by the club’s Chief Executive, James Clark, at his family home in East Yorkshire, as well as members of the club’s media team who caught the heart-warming moment on camera from safe, social distance.

You can watch the video here

To purchase our 2021 principal, or alternate jersey online – click here