In the fast-paced, bruising world of rugby union, certain names resonate not just for their skill but for their indomitable spirit. Bryony Cleall is one such name. A powerhouse prop and inspirational figure within the England Women’s rugby team, Cleall’s journey is as much about resilience and recovery as it is about athletic excellence. Overcoming a series of serious injuries, including a career-threatening knee injury at just 17, she has cemented her reputation as one of the most determined and gifted players of her generation.
Early Life and Sporting Foundations
Bryony Cleall was born on 12 June 1992 in Norwich, Norfolk. Raised alongside her twin sister, Poppy Cleall—who is also an England international—Bryony was exposed to rugby from an early age. The twins’ interest in sport was nurtured during their school years, and both quickly developed reputations for being strong, physical, and fiercely competitive.
Bryony’s athletic talent was evident from the outset. However, her rugby journey was not a straightforward ascent. At just 17, she suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that led to four knee surgeries and kept her off the pitch for five long years. Most players would have walked away from the sport entirely—but not Bryony Cleall.
Education and Academic Pursuits
During her recovery period, Cleall turned her focus to academics, a decision that would shape the breadth of her influence beyond rugby. She earned a BSc degree, followed by a PGCE in Physical Education and later completed a Master’s degree in Educational Research at the University of Exeter.
Far from simply serving as a backup plan, Cleall’s educational journey became a platform for her to inspire and educate others. Her understanding of sport from both a practical and theoretical perspective laid the groundwork for her future role as a coach and advocate for girls’ rugby in schools.
Return to Rugby and Club Career
Cleall made her return to rugby in 2015 after completing her studies, joining the Saracens Women squad. Her impact was immediate. Known for her power in the scrum, relentless work ethic, and ability to carry the ball with force, she quickly became an integral part of the team.
During her first stint with Saracens, Cleall helped the team to win multiple Premier 15s titles and was named the Supporters’ Player of the Season in 2017/18. Her performances caught the attention of England selectors, and in 2019 she earned her first international cap in the Six Nations against Ireland. In true fairytale fashion, she marked her debut with a try.
However, tragedy struck again just a week later. She suffered a broken leg, requiring surgery and another extended recovery. But once again, she refused to be sidelined permanently. After another long battle to regain fitness, she returned to international rugby in 2021, scoring a try in the opening match of the Women’s Six Nations.
Following her recovery, Cleall also moved clubs. In 2021, she joined Wasps Women, and in 2022, she transferred to Harlequins. She later returned to Saracens in early 2024, a full-circle moment that brought her back to the team where she first made her mark.
International Rugby Achievements
Cleall’s international career, although periodically interrupted by injury, is marked by notable highlights. Her debut for England was a statement in itself—coming off the bench and scoring within minutes against Ireland. Her strength in the set-piece and open play has made her a valuable asset for England, even as competition for the prop position remains fierce.
While her number of caps is fewer than other long-serving players, each of her appearances for the Red Roses speaks volumes about her perseverance and excellence. Her performances during the 2021 Women’s Six Nations helped England clinch the title, demonstrating that she could not only return to elite rugby after injury but also excel at the highest level.
A Tale of Two Sisters: Bryony and Poppy Cleall
The Cleall twins have carved unique yet overlapping paths in the rugby world. While Poppy Cleall has become a mainstay in the England squad, known for her dynamic play in the back row, Bryony’s journey has been more turbulent due to injuries. However, the shared passion and mutual support between the sisters have been instrumental in Bryony’s return to form.
Their story is rare in the world of elite sport—two siblings, both representing their country, often playing alongside each other in club and national games. This familial bond has provided strength during setbacks and joy during triumphs. They stand as shining examples of women pushing boundaries in what has historically been a male-dominated sport.
Injuries and Comebacks: A Testament to Resilience
What sets Bryony Cleall apart from many of her peers is not just her physical prowess but her mental strength. Few players have experienced the number of injuries she has endured—ACL tears, a fractured fibula, multiple surgeries—and returned each time with renewed purpose.
Her journey exemplifies what it means to be resilient in professional sport. Cleall has spoken openly about the mental toll injuries can take, and her transparency has helped bring attention to the psychological side of recovery—often overlooked in sporting discourse.
Her comebacks have not only inspired teammates and fans but have also highlighted the need for greater support systems within women’s sport, particularly in dealing with long-term injury and rehabilitation.
Coaching and Educational Leadership
Off the pitch, Cleall has become a powerful advocate for youth development in sport. As Director of Rugby at Elite Rugby Academy, she leads coaching and mentoring efforts for young female athletes. Her leadership at the academy reflects her commitment to building the future of rugby, particularly by providing pathways through education and elite-level training.
Her role involves coaching, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of female athletes. Through this work, she is helping to break down barriers that have historically limited access to rugby for girls from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
Cleall’s dual identity as both an elite athlete and an educator uniquely positions her to influence the sport’s future—not only through performance but through policy and grassroots development.
Style of Play and Technical Strengths
Bryony Cleall is a traditional tighthead prop in many respects—built for dominance in the scrum and brute-force ball carrying—but her understanding of the game adds a layer of intelligence to her play.
She is known for:
- Exceptional scrummaging technique and body position.
- Ball-carrying ability that challenges defenders repeatedly.
- Quick decision-making in tight phases of play.
- A physical presence that anchors both defensive and attacking sets.
Her work rate and tactical awareness allow her to be effective far beyond the set-piece, contributing to ruck security, lineout support, and transitional play.
Contribution to Women’s Rugby Development
Cleall’s impact on the women’s game goes well beyond match days. She is a passionate advocate for better funding, visibility, and media coverage for women’s rugby. She has regularly called for improvements in professional standards, equal access to training facilities, and better injury management for female players.
She also recognises the power of representation. As a teacher, coach, and role model, she frequently engages with schools, grassroots programmes, and rugby clinics to promote the sport. Her belief in education as a parallel force for change makes her a unique and valuable figure in the game.
Recent Performance and Future Outlook
As of the 2024–2025 season, Bryony Cleall continues to be a formidable presence in Premiership Women’s Rugby. With Saracens, she has re-established her dominance in the front row, regularly featuring in matchday squads and making her mark with powerful carries, high tackle rates, and consistent set-piece execution.
Looking ahead, she remains a contender for future England squads and is likely to play a role in shaping upcoming generations of players through her continued involvement in coaching and rugby education.
Legacy and Inspiration
Bryony Cleall’s story is not just about rugby—it is about determination, reinvention, and the will to rise above repeated adversity. Her resilience in the face of injury, combined with her academic achievements and dedication to youth development, make her one of the most complete role models in English sport today.
She embodies the future of rugby—where athletes are more than their stats, where education and performance walk hand-in-hand, and where barriers are broken through persistence and purpose.
Conclusion
Bryony Cleall stands as a testament to the grit, grace, and growth that define modern women’s rugby. Her journey has not been an easy one, but through it all, she has shown what it means to lead with heart. Whether dominating on the pitch or inspiring in the classroom, Cleall continues to shape the narrative of English rugby in profound and lasting ways.
