Named after Muhammed Ali and heralded as the next big star in English rugby, Cassius Cleaves has a whole load of pressure on his young shoulders.
Still just 21 years of age, Cleaves gained recognition in the England u20s set-up last year, contributing to multiple impressive tries thanks to his incredible speed and footwork. Now, after his first Gallagher Premiership start, he’s gaining real attention with Harlequins.
Once touted as the ‘best schoolboy rugby player in England’, Cleaves joined the Senior Harlequins’ Academy ahead of the 2021/22 season, speeding up his development into a capable premiership player. In scenes from the weekend just gone, that development has well and truly gone to plan.
Starting Harelquins’ match against Newcastle on the wing alongside Nick David and veteran Wales legend Leigh Halfpenny at fullback, Cleaves appeared fully at ease with the pace of the Gallagher Premiership.
Using his immense talents to open up a determined and gritty Newcastle defence, Cleaves directly contributed to two of his sides’ tries, even setting up Halfpenny for his finish with a stunning offload.
Still not over this run + assist by @cassiuscleaves1 💨
Fantastic to see @LeighHalfpenny1 score his first try as a Harlequin in front of a packed out Stoop 😍#COYQ #HARvNEW pic.twitter.com/Alui57Lb2E
— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) September 29, 2024
Head coach Danny Wilson spoke about the performance, noting that the boys had left some scores out there, saying: “Accuracy wise we created a lot of opportunities and didn’t finish them, another day I think that scoreboard jumps up a little bit. But at the same time, I thought Newcastle showed so much fighting spirit, and obviously scored early, and then scored again which showed that toughness that they had to stay in the fight and make it difficult for us.”
With some noticeable changes in the squad, Wilson focused on the future, adding: “We need to use this ‘squad building ethos’, and the way we do that for the future of the club and the future of us being successful is to expose younger boys to rugby and give them that chance. Cassius got that chance today and he did really well. He showed what he’s about, but unfortunately picked up an injury. I also thought Nathan Jibulu was excellent today when he got his chance.
“I think it’s important we give younger players an opportunity so that we can grow this squad, so we can be more comfortable with our depth.
WOW 😲
Cassius Cleaves leaves defenders in his wake to help @Harlequins extend their lead 🔥
Watch live on @rugbyontnt 📺#GallagherPrem | #HARvNEW pic.twitter.com/xwBjOLrVd3
ADVERTISEMENT— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) September 28, 2024
With five players beaten in two games, and an average of 11.1 metres made per carry, Cleaves progression will be one to focus on over the next couple of years.
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