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.

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 spearheaded Wimbledon College's National Schools Sevens 2016 tournament Under-13s Juniors Championship win on his 13th birthday; and a year later, their Under-14s Championship win. He attended Wellington College, Berkshire for the latter part of his schooling.

Career
Cleaves made a try-scoring debut for Harlequins RFC in March 2022 against Sale Sharks in the Premiership Rugby Cup. 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.

International career
Cleaves made his debut for the England U-20 team in the 2023 Six Nations Under 20s Championship against Wales U20. His performance against Wales was described as “particularly eye-catching”.

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.

Style of play
Cleaves has been described as having a "stunning sidestep and blistering pace".

Personal life
Through his mother, Cleaves is of Ghanaian heritage.