Michael Claassens

Michael Claassens (born 28 October 1982 in Kroonstad, Free State) is a former South African rugby union player that played professional rugby between 2003 and 2018. He made in excess of 350 senior appearances, including eight test matches for the South Africa national team.

He made his first class debut in 2003 for the , making 64 appearances for the Bloemfontein-based side between 2003 and 2006. He also played Super Rugby for the in 2005 and the in 2006 and 2007. He joined Bath in the Premiership in England for the 2007–08 season, where he stayed for six seasons. He then had two seasons at in the Top 14 before returning to South Africa to finish his career at the Durban-based .

He is the brother of Errie Claassens, also a professional rugby union player.

Honours Free State Cheetahs Currie Cup: 2005 Bath European Challenge Cup: 2007–2008 Toulon Heineken Cup European Champions: 2014 Top 14 French League : 2014