John 'J.W.' Willie Sutcliffe (born Shibden April 14 1868, died Bradford July 7 1947) was an English football and rugby union player. J.W. is the only player to represent England at both sports.

He started his career in 1886 at Bradford Rugby Club playing at either full back or centre three quarter before moving to the club from Heckmondwike where he gained his only cap for England against the Maoris in 1889.

Heckmondwike were suspended from the RFU over allegations of professionalism and he switched codes to play football for Bolton Wanderers, finally playing in the first team as a goalkeeper. Here he gained his first of five England caps against Wales in a 6-0 win in 1893. 1894 saw him on the losing side in the FA Cup final.

1902 saw J.W. at Southern League Millwall Athletic before quickly moving on in 1903 to Manchester United where he played 28 games. His last club was Plymouth Argyle where he recorded 208 appearances in Southern, Western League and Cup games.

In 1911 he was made coach of Southend United before during World War I being in charge of Arnhem. He returned to Bradford in 1919 as the trainer of Bradford City.

Sources

• Plymouth Argyle A Complete Record 1903-1989, Brian Knight ISBN 0907969402
• Plymouth Argyle 101 Golden Greats, Andy Richie ISBN 1874287473