Clive made his debut with Central Newcastle in 1946. Clive played for Central Newcastle for one season. In 1947, Clive joined the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Clive was a member of South Sydney’s 1949-51 Grand Final teams (winning in 1950). Clive was a member of South Sydney’s 1953-54 premierships. In 1957, Clive was appointed captain of South Sydney. Clive was captain-coach of South Sydney in 1958. Clive played 157 games for South Sydney across 12 seasons (13 tries, 77 goals). In 1959, Clive joined the North Brisbane Devils as captain-coach. Clive guided North Brisbane to the 1959 premiership. Clive played 13 games for North Brisbane (3 tries, 29 goals). Clive retired at the end of 1959. In 1961, Clive came out of retirement for the Moree Boomerangs.
From 1948-55, Clive played 8 games for City Firsts (2 tries, 4 goals). Clive played 27 games for New South Wales from 1948-57 (4 tries, 15 goals, 3 field goals). Clive played 1 game for Queensland in 1959 as captain-coach. Clive played 37 test matches for Australia from 1948-56 (10 goals). Clive captained Australia from 1950-51. Clive captain coached Australia from 1952-53. Clive played 5 games for Brisbane in 1959 2 tries, 1 goal, and 1 field goal).
Clive coached the Canterbury Bulldogs in 1964 for 18 games (1 win, 1 draw). Clive coached the Brisbane Tigers from 1965-66. In 1967, Clive was appointed coach of South Sydney. Clive coached South Sydney to 5 Grand Finals from 1967-71 (winning premierships in 1967-68 and 70-71). Clive resigned during the 1975 season. Clive coached South Sydney for 211 games (136 wins, 3 draws). Clive coached Australia from 1959-60 and 1963 for 29 matches (19 wins, 2 draws).
In 1985, Clive was selected as an inaugural immortal. Also, in 1985, Clive was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). In 1986, a stand at the SCG was named after Clive. Since 1986, the Clive Churchill Medal has been awarded to the Man of the Match in the NRL Grand Final. In 2002, Clive was inducted into the ARL Hall of Fame. In 2004, In 2008, Clive was selected as the fullback in the Australian, New South Wales, Country and Newcastle Teams of the Century. Also, in 2008, Clive was chosen as one of Australia’s 100 Greatest Players. In 2017, Clive was inducted into the NSWRL Hall of Fame. In 2018, Clive was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame.
Clive passed away On August 9 1985.