Harlequins have announced that senior academy stars Hayden Hyde and Cassius Cleaves have signed new contracts with the club. Both players have already established themselves at the Twickenham Stoop, having made first team appearances throughout the 2022/23 Premiership Rugby Cup season.
The two talented backs have also represented Harlequins’ partnership club London Scottish, in the RFU Championship. Hyde and Cleaves have been gaining valuable game time at the Richmond Athletic Ground, and sharpening their skills in the second division of English rugby.
Hayden Hyde was a mainstay in the Harlequins academy until U18s, when he made the move to Ulster and to represent Ireland U20s. The 22-year-old returned to the Stoop in 2021, and has since played against the Barbarians, and demonstrated his impressive athleticism within the England Sevens set-up. Cleaves has also achieved international recognition, as the rapid winger represented England U20s.
Harlequins Academy Coach Jordan Turner-Hall said:
“We’re delighted to have two talented guys recommit themselves to the team.
“Cass and Hayden have both made great starts to their careers as attacking backs whose nature is to play positive rugby that brings fans to their feet; which is what this club is all about.
“Cassius has been a standout winger throughout the age grades and has made his mark when opportunities in the senior side came his way and Hayden has proven with England Sevens and Harlequins that he has bags of potential as a running centre.
“We’re delighted to have these two players renew their contracts and as a performance programme we are looking forward to seeing how they develop as both athletes and people over the next few years.”