About John Cleeve
Lived 1864 – 1952 (aged 88). John Cleeve was an Australian rugby union player.
John Kingdon Cleeve (14 February 1864 – 7 April 1952) was an Australian rugby union player. The Australian Rugby Union’s records show him playing just one Test match for New South Wales, in 1884. He won representative caps for the colony against New Zealand in 1884 and Queensland in 1885. Playing as a halfback, he was described by the Sydney Morning Herald as ‘...a decided acquisition [for the 1884 match against New Zealand], as he is a resolute and hard-working player.’
Cleeve and his twin brother, James Cleeve (14 February 1864 – 7 February 1909) were born in Woolloomooloo, New South Wales to John Cleeve, Police magistrate of Penrith, New South Wales, and Frances "Fanny" (née Oatley). The Cleve boys attended Newington College in 1881 and 1882 whilst the cricketer Joseph Coates was Headmaster.
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Important facts
People in John Cleeve's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John Cleeve's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John Cleeve?
rugby union player (1864-1952)
When was John Cleeve born?
John Cleeve was born on 14 February 1864 in Woolloomooloo.
When did John Cleeve die?
John Cleeve died on 7 April 1952.
What was John Cleeve's occupation?
John Cleeve was a rugby union player.
What nationality was John Cleeve?
John Cleeve was Australian.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Cleeve. https://biography.guide/john-cleeve/
MLA: "John Cleeve." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-cleeve/.
Chicago: "John Cleeve." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-cleeve/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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