Cassius Cleaves tipped to become 'elite winger' after new Quins deal

Harlequins winger Cassius Cleaves has said it was a "no-brainer" to sign a contract extension with the club.

The 21-year-old academy product has followed in the footsteps of fellow winger Cadan Murley in penning a new deal at Twickenham Stoop.

Cleaves made his Gallagher Premiership debut from the bench in the opening round of this season against Sale Sharks, and earned his first start a week later against Newcastle Falcons.

The former England U20 wing had a hand in two Quins tries against the Falcons before being forced off with a hamstring injury which has kept him sidelined.

Quins head coach Danny Wilson has tipped Cleaves to become an "elite winger" after showing a glimpse of what he is capable of before the injury.

“Cassius possesses raw talent in abundance, and we’ve all seen a glimpse of what he can do in a Harlequins shirt this season," Wilson said.

“Cassius has all the attributes to be an elite winger at Premiership level and beyond, which when combined with his diligent worth ethic, makes him an exciting prospect for years to come.

“He’s been working hard behind-the-scenes with the club’s medical staff to return to fitness and we’re looking forward to welcoming him back out on the pitch in the near future.”

Cleaves added: “I’m very pleased to get it over the line. Harlequins is the place I want to be for the foreseeable – I’m delighted to extend my stay.

“I’ve been in the academy for nearly 10 years now – I’ve grown up here. There’s a great group of boys at the club and you can see the young blood coming through. The brand of rugby we play suits my game and how I want to play, so it was a no-brainer for me to continue my time here.

“I put my head down in the off-season prior to coming back in - I felt good and explosive. I was unfortunate to pick up an injury, but I’m excited to get back. It’s a long season ahead.”