Neil Claassen

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

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 . He played for the side in the 2011 Under-19 Provincial Championship, also captaining the side. He progressed to the 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. This six-try haul also included a brace against eventual champions .

In 2014, he represented Varsity Cup side , 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 during the competition, a 34–30 victory over the and a 30–32 defeat to the in Bredasdorp a week later. He made a further seven first class appearances during the 2013 Vodacom Cup and also scored his first try in their match against the .

After his spell with in the 2014 Varsity Cup, he returned to the 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 .

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