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{{Short description|English rugby union player}}
{{Infobox rugby biography|name=Cassius Cleaves|birth_date={{Birth date and age|2003|3|15|df=yes}}|school= [[Wellington College, Berkshire|Wellington College]]|ru_currentteam=[[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]]|weight_kg=95|height_cm=175|clubs1=[[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]]|apps1=5|points1=20|years1=2022-|repyears1=2022-|repteam1=[[England national under-20 rugby union team|England U20]]|repcaps1=9|reppoints1=20|ru_position=[[Wing (rugby union)|Wing]]}}


{{Infobox rugby biography
'''Cassius Cleaves''' (born 15 March 2003) is an English [[rugby union]] player who plays as a winger for [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]] and the [[England national under-20 rugby union team|England U20's]].
| name = Cassius Cleaves
| image = File:National_Schools_Sevens_2016,_U13A_Semi-final_(fifth_try_-1).jpg
| image_size = 300px
| caption =
| fullname = Cassius Cleaves
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2003|3|15|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[London]], England
| height = {{convert|175|cm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|95|kg|lb stlb|0|abbr=on}}
| school = [[Wimbledon College]]<br>[[Wellington College, Berkshire|Wellington College]]
| university =
| relatives =
| occupation =
| spouse =
| position = [[Rugby union positions#Wing|Wing]]
| currentclub = [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]]
| youthyears2 = 2013–2021
| youthclubs2 = [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]]
| youthyears1 = 2012–20??
| youthclubs1 = Old Wimbledonian Warriors
| years1 = 2021–
| clubs1 = [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]]
| apps1 = 7
| points1 = 35
| years2 = 2021–2022
| clubs2 = → [[Worthing RFC]] <small>(loan)</small>
| apps2 = 6
| points2 = 15
| years3 = 2022–2024
| clubs3 = → [[London Scottish F.C.|London Scottish]] <small>(loan)</small>
| apps3 = 10
| points3 = 15
| repyears1 = 2021
| repteam1 = [[England national under-18 rugby union team|England under-18]]
| repcaps1 =
| reppoints1 =
| repyears2 = 2022–2023
| repteam2 = [[England national under-20 rugby union team|England under-20]]
| repcaps2 = 9
| reppoints2 = 20
| clubupdate = 19 March 2024
| repupdate = 19 March 2024
}}

'''Cassius Cleaves''' (born 15 March 2003) is an English professional [[rugby union]] player who plays as a [[Rugby union positions#Wing|wing]] for [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]]. At international level he represented [[England national under-20 rugby union team|England U20's]].


==Early life==
==Early life==
[[File:15_March_2016_-_Geoff_Simpson,_President,_English_Rugby_Schools,_presents_Wimbledon_College_with_Rosslyn_Park_National_Schools_7s_2016_Juniors_Trophy.jpg|thumb|left|15 March 2016 - Wimbledon College are presented with the National Schools Sevens Under-13s Juniors trophy.]]
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 [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]] and for Old Wimbledonian Warriors. He played as Wimbledon College won the [[National Schools Sevens|Rosslyn Park Sevens]]. He attended [[Wellington College, Berkshire]] for the latter part of his schooling.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugbyworld.com/in-the-mag/hotshots/hotshot-england-u20-wing-cassius-cleaves-142017|website=Rugby World|accessdate=11 July 2023|title= Hotshot: England U20 wing Cassius Cleaves|first=Sarah|last=Mockford|date=May 8, 2022}}</ref>
[[File:National_Schools_Sevens_2016%2C_U13A_Semi-final_%28third_try_-2%29.jpg|thumb|right|<small>''Wimbledon College's National Schools Sevens Semi-final against St Benedicts School Ealing on the way to winning the 2016 Under-13s (Juniors) Championship. (15 March 2016)''</small>]]
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 [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]] and for Old Wimbledonian Warriors. He spearheaded Wimbledon College's National Schools Sevens 2016 tournament Under-13s Juniors Championship win on his 13th birthday;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLvlACO68E0|title=National Schools Sevens U-13s final 2016|website=[[YouTube]]|date=20 November 2020 |accessdate=26 May 2024}}</ref> and a year later, their Under-14s Championship win.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEvnJJklfTo&t=8s|title=Under 14s National Schools Sevens Final 2017|website=YouTube|date=17 March 2021 |accessdate=26 May 2024}}</ref>

He attended [[Wellington College, Berkshire]] for the latter part of his schooling.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugbyworld.com/in-the-mag/hotshots/hotshot-england-u20-wing-cassius-cleaves-142017|website=Rugby World|accessdate=11 July 2023|title= Hotshot: England U20 wing Cassius Cleaves|first=Sarah|last=Mockford|date=8 May 2022}}</ref>

==Club career==
Cleaves made a try-scoring debut for [[Harlequins RFC]] in March 2022 against [[Sale Sharks]] in the [[Premiership Rugby Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prostinternational.com/2022/03/30/late-quins-fightback-not-enough-to-grab-victory-over-sharks/|website=Prostinternatiomal.com|title=Late Quins fightback not enough to grab victory over Sharks|first=Peter|last=Moore|date=30 March 2022|accessdate=11 July 2023}}</ref><ref name="Telegraph1">{{Cite news |last=Morgan|first=Charlie|date=30 March 2022|title=What is the point of Premiership Cup rugby if coaches do not even want to win it?|work=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2022/03/30/point-premiership-cup-rugby-coaches-dont-even-want-win/|url-access=subscription|access-date=11 July 2023}}</ref> A try he scored the following season, in the same competition, against [[London Irish]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj0Cf87bJ4w|title=Prem Rugby Cup Highlights: Young Harlequins come close to a late comeback against London Irish|website=YouTube|date=22 September 2022 |accessdate=29 May 2024}}</ref> was reported as [[Viral phenomenon|going viral]] due to Cleaves' display of pace and footwork after collecting the ball in his own half.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://amp.rugbyonslaught.com/harlequins-teenager-stuns-social-media-with-pace-and-footwork/|website=Rugbyonslaught.com|title= Harlequins teenager stuns social media with pace and footwork|date=22 September 2022|accessdate=11 July 2023}}</ref>


He made [[Rugby Premiership]] debut for Harlequins on 22 September 2024 against Sale Sharks.<ref>{{cite web|website=The Daily Telegraph|url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2024/10/01/england-wings-premiership-clubs-wings-analysis/|title= Young English wingers are making an impact – and are gold dust to Premiership clubs|first=Charlie|last=Morgan|date=1 October 2024}}</ref> The following week, he made his first league start in a 28-14 win against [[Newcastle Falcons]] and was impressive, being instrumental in causing two of Harlequins' four tries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg3qF9qp0IE|title=Leigh Halfpenny scores his first try for Harlequins as Cassius Cleaves sets him up against Newcastle.|website=[[YouTube]]|date=October 2024 |accessdate=5 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iqYkhMYcbc|title=GREAT VICTORY! Harlequins vs. Newcastle Falcons|website=[[YouTube]]|date=28 September 2024 |accessdate=1 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAlcvCTpnlw|title=Leigh Halfpenny combines with Cassius Cleaves to win September's DHL Moment That Delivered|website=[[YouTube]]|date=21 October 2024 |accessdate=9 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|website=The Daily Telegraph|accessdate=29 September 2024|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2024/09/28/harlequins-v-newcastle-score-premiership-cleaves-jibulu/|title= Harlequins' next generation of Cassius Cleaves and 'beast' Nathan Jibulu shine in Newcastle win|first=Charles|last=Richardson|date=28 September 2024}}</ref> He signed a new contract with the club in November 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaLItLZ8QJc|title=Cassius Cleaves signs new deal with Harlequins.|website=[[YouTube]]|date=19 November 2024 |accessdate=23 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|website=BBC Sport|title=Winger Cleaves signs new Quins contract|date=19 November 2024|accessdate=20 November 2024|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cr4l146v9p7o.amp}}</ref>
==Career==
Cleaves made a try-scoring debut for [[Harlequins RFC]] in March 2022 against [[Sale Sharks]] in the [[Premiership Rugby Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prostinternational.com/2022/03/30/late-quins-fightback-not-enough-to-grab-victory-over-sharks/|website=Prostinternatiomal.com|title= Late Quins fightback not enough to grab victory over Sharks|first=Peter|last=Moore|date=March 30, 2022|accessdate=July 11, 2023}}</ref> A try he scored the following season, in the same competition, against [[London Irish]], was reported as [[Viral phenomenon|going viral]] due to Cleaves' display of pace and footwork after collection the ball in his own half.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://amp.rugbyonslaught.com/harlequins-teenager-stuns-social-media-with-pace-and-footwork/|website=Rugbyonslaught.com|title= Harlequins teenager stuns social media with pace and footwork|date=22 September 2022|accessdate=11 July 2023}}</ref>


==International career==
==International career==
Cleaves made his debut for the [[England national under-20 rugby union team|England U-20]] team in the [[2023 Six Nations Under 20s Championship]] against [[Wales national under-20 rugby union team|Wales U20]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Under-20 Six Nations: England U20s 43-14 Wales U20s|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/60493592|date=25 February 2022|website=BBC Sport}}</ref> His performance against Wales was described as “particularly eye-catching”.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2022/03/30/point-premiership-cup-rugby-coaches-dont-even-want-win/|website=The Daily Telegraph|accessdate=11 July 2023|title= What is the point of Premiership Cup rugby if coaches do not even want to win it?|first=Charlie|last=Morgan|date=20 March 2022}}</ref>
Cleaves made his debut for the [[England national under-20 rugby union team|England U-20]] team in the [[2022 Six Nations Under 20s Championship]] against [[Wales national under-20 rugby union team|Wales]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/60493592|website=BBC Sport|accessdate=11 July 2023|title=Under-20 Six Nations: England U20s 43-14 Wales U20s|date=25 February 2022}}</ref> His performance against Wales was described as “particularly eye-catching”.<ref name="Telegraph1"/> He scored a try in their next game against [[Ireland national under-20 rugby union team|Ireland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/60724524|website=BBC Sport|accessdate=5 August 2024|title=Under-20 Six Nations 2022: Ireland beat England and chase Grand Slam|date=12 March 2022}}</ref>


He featured for England U-20s at the [[2023 World Rugby U20 Championship]] in June and July 2023, scoring tries against [[Fiji national under-20 rugby union team|Fiji U20]], [[Australia national under-20 rugby union team|Australia U20]], and in the semi-final against [[France national under-20 rugby union team|France U20]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2023/07/10/englands-next-generation-u20-stars-steve-borthwick-squad/|website=The Daily Telegraph|accessdate=July 10, 2023|title= England's next generation: The U20 stars of tomorrow who could break into Steve Borthwick's squad|first=Ben|last=Coles|date=July 10, 2023}}</ref>
Cleaves featured for England U-20s at the [[2023 World Rugby U20 Championship]] in June and July 2023, scoring tries in pool stage games against [[Fiji national under-20 rugby union team|Fiji]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhaHREVE3Wk|title=Top Five England U20 Tries - 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship|website=YouTube|date=28 July 2023 |accessdate=29 May 2024}}</ref> and [[Australia national under-20 rugby union team|Australia]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjo1abUsupk|title=Highlights: England U20 Men v Australia|website=YouTube|date=5 July 2023 |accessdate=29 May 2024}}</ref><ref name="Telegraph2">{{Cite news |last=Coles|first=Ben|date=10 July 2023|title=England's next generation: The U20 stars of tomorrow who could break into Steve Borthwick's squad|work=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2023/07/10/englands-next-generation-u20-stars-steve-borthwick-squad/|url-access=subscription|access-date=10 July 2023}}</ref> He also scored a try in their semi-final defeat against [[France national under-20 rugby union team|France]] as England finished fourth.<ref name="Telegraph2"/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0KeJD_liQsc | title=- YouTube | website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref>


==Style of play==
==Style of play==
Cleaves has been described as having a "stunning sidestep and blistering pace".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ruck.co.uk/the-future-the-telegraph-back-five-england-youngsters-for-2027-world-cup/4/|title= "The future" – The Telegraph back five England youngsters for 2027 World Cup |website=Ruck.co.uk|date=10 July 2023|accessdate=11 July 2023}}</ref>
Cleaves has been described as having a "stunning sidestep and blistering pace".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXRLON8h-BA|title=Harlequins Academy 21-12 Exeter|website=YouTube|date=13 January 2020 |accessdate=16 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP8UtKzVi5s|title=Is Cassius Cleaves the best winger in the English school game?|website=YouTube|date=3 May 2020 |accessdate=27 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBh_mbuHf8I|title=Cassius Cleaves - Speed|website=YouTube|date=3 March 2024 |accessdate=8 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ruck.co.uk/the-future-the-telegraph-back-five-england-youngsters-for-2027-world-cup/4/|title="The future" – The Telegraph back five England youngsters for 2027 World Cup |website=Ruck.co.uk|date=10 July 2023|accessdate=11 July 2023}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
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[[Category:2003 births]]
[[Category:2003 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Black British sportsmen]]
[[Category:English rugby union players]]
[[Category:English rugby union players]]
[[Category:Harlequin F.C. players]]
[[Category:Harlequin F.C. players]]
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[[Category:Rugby union players from the London Borough of Wandsworth]]
[[Category:Rugby union players from the London Borough of Wandsworth]]
[[Category:English people of Ghanaian descent]]
[[Category:English people of Ghanaian descent]]
[[Category:Sportspeople of Ghanaian descent]]

[[Category:21st-century British sportsmen]]
{{England-rugbyunion-bio-stub}}

Latest revision as of 07:53, 29 December 2024

Cassius Cleaves
Full nameCassius Cleaves
Date of birth (2003-03-15) 15 March 2003 (age 21)
Place of birthLondon, England
Height175 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Weight95 kg (209 lb; 14 st 13 lb)
SchoolWimbledon College
Wellington College
Rugby union career
Position(s) Wing
Current team Harlequins
Youth career
2012–20?? Old Wimbledonian Warriors
2013–2021 Harlequins
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2021– Harlequins 7 (35)
2021–2022Worthing RFC (loan) 6 (15)
2022–2024London Scottish (loan) 10 (15)
Correct as of 19 March 2024
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2021 England under-18
2022–2023 England under-20 9 (20)
Correct as of 19 March 2024

Cassius Cleaves (born 15 March 2003) is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a wing for Harlequins. At international level he represented England U20's.

Early life

[edit]
15 March 2016 - Wimbledon College are presented with the National Schools Sevens Under-13s Juniors trophy.
Wimbledon College's National Schools Sevens Semi-final against St Benedicts School Ealing on the way to winning the 2016 Under-13s (Juniors) Championship. (15 March 2016)

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 spearheaded Wimbledon College's National Schools Sevens 2016 tournament Under-13s Juniors Championship win on his 13th birthday;[1] and a year later, their Under-14s Championship win.[2]

He attended Wellington College, Berkshire for the latter part of his schooling.[3]

Club career

[edit]

Cleaves made a try-scoring debut for Harlequins RFC in March 2022 against Sale Sharks in the Premiership Rugby Cup.[4][5] A try he scored the following season, in the same competition, against London Irish,[6] was reported as going viral due to Cleaves' display of pace and footwork after collecting the ball in his own half.[7]

He made Rugby Premiership debut for Harlequins on 22 September 2024 against Sale Sharks.[8] The following week, he made his first league start in a 28-14 win against Newcastle Falcons and was impressive, being instrumental in causing two of Harlequins' four tries.[9][10][11][12] He signed a new contract with the club in November 2024.[13][14]

International career

[edit]

Cleaves made his debut for the England U-20 team in the 2022 Six Nations Under 20s Championship against Wales.[15] His performance against Wales was described as “particularly eye-catching”.[5] He scored a try in their next game against Ireland.[16]

Cleaves featured for England U-20s at the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship in June and July 2023, scoring tries in pool stage games against Fiji[17] and Australia.[18][19] He also scored a try in their semi-final defeat against France as England finished fourth.[19][20]

Style of play

[edit]

Cleaves has been described as having a "stunning sidestep and blistering pace".[21][22][23][24]

Personal life

[edit]

Through his mother, Cleaves is of Ghanaian heritage.[25]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "National Schools Sevens U-13s final 2016". YouTube. 20 November 2020. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  2. ^ "Under 14s National Schools Sevens Final 2017". YouTube. 17 March 2021. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  3. ^ Mockford, Sarah (8 May 2022). "Hotshot: England U20 wing Cassius Cleaves". Rugby World. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  4. ^ Moore, Peter (30 March 2022). "Late Quins fightback not enough to grab victory over Sharks". Prostinternatiomal.com. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  5. ^ a b Morgan, Charlie (30 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.
  6. ^ "Prem Rugby Cup Highlights: Young Harlequins come close to a late comeback against London Irish". YouTube. 22 September 2022. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  7. ^ "Harlequins teenager stuns social media with pace and footwork". Rugbyonslaught.com. 22 September 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  8. ^ Morgan, Charlie (1 October 2024). "Young English wingers are making an impact – and are gold dust to Premiership clubs". The Daily Telegraph.
  9. ^ "Leigh Halfpenny scores his first try for Harlequins as Cassius Cleaves sets him up against Newcastle". YouTube. October 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  10. ^ "GREAT VICTORY! Harlequins vs. Newcastle Falcons". YouTube. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  11. ^ "Leigh Halfpenny combines with Cassius Cleaves to win September's DHL Moment That Delivered". YouTube. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
  12. ^ Richardson, Charles (28 September 2024). "Harlequins' next generation of Cassius Cleaves and 'beast' Nathan Jibulu shine in Newcastle win". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  13. ^ "Cassius Cleaves signs new deal with Harlequins". YouTube. 19 November 2024. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  14. ^ "Winger Cleaves signs new Quins contract". BBC Sport. 19 November 2024. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  15. ^ "Under-20 Six Nations: England U20s 43-14 Wales U20s". BBC Sport. 25 February 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  16. ^ "Under-20 Six Nations 2022: Ireland beat England and chase Grand Slam". BBC Sport. 12 March 2022. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  17. ^ "Top Five England U20 Tries - 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship". YouTube. 28 July 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  18. ^ "Highlights: England U20 Men v Australia". YouTube. 5 July 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  19. ^ a b Coles, Ben (10 July 2023). "England's next generation: The U20 stars of tomorrow who could break into Steve Borthwick's squad". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  20. ^ "- YouTube". YouTube.
  21. ^ "Harlequins Academy 21-12 Exeter". YouTube. 13 January 2020. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  22. ^ "Is Cassius Cleaves the best winger in the English school game?". YouTube. 3 May 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  23. ^ "Cassius Cleaves - Speed". YouTube. 3 March 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
  24. ^ ""The future" – The Telegraph back five England youngsters for 2027 World Cup". Ruck.co.uk. 10 July 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  25. ^ Thomas, Claire (22 June 2023). "Cassius Cleaves: England's viral sensation eyes U20 glory". Rugby Pass. Retrieved 11 July 2023.