Cassius Cleaves
Cassius Cleaves (born 15 March 2003) is an English rugby union player who plays as a winger for Harlequins and the England U20's.
| Date of birth | 15 March 2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Height | 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 95 kg (209 lb; 14 st 13 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Wellington College | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Early life
From Wandsworth, Cleaves was named after Muhammad Ali. He began playing rugby union at eleven years-old whilst attending Wimbledon College. By twelve years-old he was playing age group rugby with Harlequins and for Old Wimbledonian Warriors. He played as Wimbledon College won the Rosslyn Park Sevens. He attended Wellington College, Berkshire for the latter part of his schooling.[1]
Career
Cleaves made a try-scoring debut for Harlequins RFC in March 2022 against Sale Sharks in the Premiership Rugby Cup.[2] A try he scored the following season, in the same competition, against London Irish, was reported as going viral due to Cleaves' display of pace and footwork after collection the ball in his own half.[3]
International career
Cleaves made his debut for the England U-20 team in the 2023 Six Nations Under 20s Championship against Wales U20.[4] His performance against Wales was described as “particularly eye-catching”.[5]
He featured for England U-20s at the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship in June and July 2023, scoring tries against Fiji U20, Australia U20, and in the semi-final against France U20.[6]
Style of play
Cleaves has been described as having a "stunning sidestep and blistering pace".[7]
Personal life
Through his mother, Cleaves is of Ghanian heritage.[8]
References
- Mockford, Sarah (May 8, 2022). "Hotshot: England U20 wing Cassius Cleaves". Rugby World. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
- Moore, Peter (March 30, 2022). "Late Quins fightback not enough to grab victory over Sharks". Prostinternatiomal.com. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
- "Harlequins teenager stuns social media with pace and footwork". Rugbyonslaught.com. 22 September 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
- "Under-20 Six Nations: England U20s 43-14 Wales U20s". BBC Sport. 25 February 2022.
- Morgan, Charlie (20 March 2022). "What is the point of Premiership Cup rugby if coaches do not even want to win it?". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
- Coles, Ben (July 10, 2023). "England's next generation: The U20 stars of tomorrow who could break into Steve Borthwick's squad". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
- ""The future" – The Telegraph back five England youngsters for 2027 World Cup". Ruck.co.uk. 10 July 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
- Thomas, Claire (22 June 2023). "Cassius Cleaves: England's viral sensation eyes U20 glory". Rugby Pass. Retrieved 11 July 2023.