Neil Claassen

Neil Claassen (born (1992-09-26)26 September 1992 in Pretoria, South Africa) is a South African rugby union player who last played for the Griffons.[1] His regular position is lock or flanker.

Neil Claassen
Date of birth (1992-09-26) 26 September 1992
Place of birthPretoria, South Africa
Height1.97 m (6 ft 5 1⁄2 in)
Weight100 kg (15 st 10 lb; 220 lb)
SchoolHTS Daniel Pienaar, Uitenhage
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock / Flanker
Youth career
2008 Eastern Province Kings
2011–2013 Free State Cheetahs
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2014–2016 UFS Shimlas 20 (15)
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2012–2016 Free State XV 16 (10)
2014 Free State Cheetahs 10 (0)
2017–2018 Griffons 30 (35)
Correct as of 27 October 2018
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2008 South Africa Under-16 Elite Squad
Correct as of 30 July 2014

Career

Youth and Varsity Cup rugby

He was a member of the Eastern Province side that participated at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week in 2008. His performance in the tournament also earned him an inclusion in an Under-16 Elite Squad in the same year.

He played for youth sides for Bloemfontein-based side, the Free State Cheetahs. He played for the Free State U19 side in the 2011 Under-19 Provincial Championship, also captaining the side.[2] He progressed to the Free State U21 squad and started 25 matches for them during the 2012 and 2013 Under-21 Provincial Championships, also scoring six tries for them during the 2013 competition to make him his side's top try scorer for the competition.[3] This six-try haul also included a brace against eventual champions Western Province U21.[4]

In 2014, he represented Varsity Cup side UFS Shimlas, scoring three tries in seven starts for the university side.

Free State Cheetahs

Claassen's first class debut came during the 2012 Vodacom Cup competition. He started two matches for the Free State XV during the competition, a 34–30 victory over the SWD Eagles[5] and a 30–32 defeat to the Boland Cavaliers in Bredasdorp a week later.[6] He made a further seven first class appearances during the 2013 Vodacom Cup and also scored his first try in their match against the SWD Eagles.[7]

After his spell with UFS Shimlas in the 2014 Varsity Cup, he returned to the Free State XV side to make three appearances towards the end of the 2014 Vodacom Cup competition, weighing in with one try in their 54–17 win against the Border Bulldogs.[8]

He was included in their Currie Cup squad for the first time prior to the 2014 Currie Cup Premier Division season.[9]

References
  1. "SA Rugby Player Profile – Neil Claassen". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  2. "24 uur". Volksblad (in Afrikaans). 5 September 2011. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  3. "SA Rugby Try Scorers – 2013 Absa Under 21 Competition". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  4. "SA Rugby Match Centre – DHL Western Province 32-13 Toyota Free State". South African Rugby Union. 31 August 2013. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  5. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Toyota Free State XV 34-30 SWD Eagles". South African Rugby Union. 10 March 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  6. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Regent Boland Kavaliers 32-30 Toyota Free State XV". South African Rugby Union. 17 March 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  7. "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Western Districts 8-31 Toyota Free State XV". South African Rugby Union. 8 March 2013. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  8. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Toyota Free State XV 54-17 Border Bulldogs". South African Rugby Union. 5 April 2014. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  9. "Skoolseun in VS se Curriebeker-groep". Beeld (in Afrikaans). 24 July 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
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