Cadan Murley, a product of the Harlequins Academy, has been named the ‘on-field’ captain for the Harlequins for the upcoming 2026/27 season while Alex Dombrandt is out recovering from an ACL injury. At 27, Murley represents the epitome of loyalty and success within the club, a journey that began over a decade ago and has seen him rise to prominence within the England senior team.
Murley's leadership extends beyond his on-field prowess. Growing up in a military family, he admits his father's disciplined approach has influenced his style. “Some of my father’s qualities have rubbed off on me,” Murley shared. With this background, he's now guiding Harlequins through both example and direct leadership, particularly for the younger players.
One such young talent under Murley's tutelage is Cassius Cleaves, a player with undeniable potential and lightning pace, reminiscent of great athletes like Muhammad Ali, after whom he was named. Despite a series of injuries, Cleaves shows promise of becoming a formidable player for both club and country. Murley commented on Cleaves' progression, stating:
“He’s just finding his way, learning about his body. But whenever he’s on the pitch, he’s so explosive. I think you saw he played against Newcastle last year, tore up [and made] a line break for Leigh Halfpenny to score.”
Murley believes the key for Cleaves is to maintain fitness and adapt to the broader demands of the winger role in today's game, including defensive duties and aerial skills. “Wingers have got to chase kicks, get the ball back for your team, create transition, be good in the air, all of that stuff,” he observed.
Meanwhile, Edward Sigauke, a young Zimbabwe international and recent Harlequins recruit, is turning heads with his exceptional athletic ability. Murley praised Sigauke's talents, comparing him to notable players: “His footwork is up there with some of the best I’ve seen. Obviously, I’ve played against Cheslin Kolbe, and he had some pretty good footwork to step me on the inside, but yeah, I’d liken his footwork to that. But he’s also got out and out raw pace as well.”
Despite setbacks in previous seasons, the sense at Harlequins is one of optimism, particularly with the addition of players like George Furbank and Edward Sigauke, who are expected to play pivotal roles once they are fit and integrated into the team.
The club's future seems bright with these emerging stars and the seasoned leadership of Cadan Murley. As the new season approaches, Harlequins fans have much to look forward to, from the return of veteran players to the rise of new talent, each bringing unique skills and fervor to the storied team.
