Chandler Cunningham-South is an English professional rugby player who plays as a Lock, Flanker, and Number 8 for the England national team.
At the club level, Chandler currently plays for the Harlequins as one of their best players. The talented number 8 is one of the few players born in New Zealand now shining in England.
A few years into his career, Chandler Cunningham-South has become one of England’s most important players. He has also cemented his position as a leader and starter for his club.
Off the pitch, he has also been impressing fans with his lifestyle, hairstyle, and overall personality. His off-field lifestyle has attracted a significant following and praise from fans. He has over 35000 followers on Instagram alone, and they love to reshare and like whenever he posts.
PROFILE SUMMARY
Full Name: Chandler Cunningham-South
Date of birth: 18 March 2003
Age: 23
Place of birth: Sidcup, England
Height: 1.96 m
Weight: 120 kg
Father: Richard Cunningham-South
Mother: Caroline Cunningham-South
Position: Lock, Flanker, Number 8
CHANDLER CUNNINGHAM-SOUTH’S AGE AND EARLY LIFE
The Endland talented flanker, Chandler Cunningham-South, was born on 18 March 2003 and turned 23 in 2026. Chandler was born in Sidcup, London, England, where he stayed for the first few years of his life.
At 4 years old, his family moved to New Zealand, where he grew up. In New Zealand, his parents stayed in Auckland, where Chandler started playing rugby. His journey began at home, as a young boy with a strong passion and a willingness to learn.
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He went on to enrol at Hamilton High School, where his rugby journey noticeably took off. Chandler rose through the school ranks, a school well known for grooming top rugby players like Cortez Ratima and Quinn Tupaea. He also played for Westlake Boys’ High School as he developed as a student and rugby player.
With a lot of potential, Chandler went on to play for the North Harbour under-18s, Canterbury under-19s and Lincoln University in Christchurch. His name rose among the best players in the country, but he returned to England. He immediately joined the London Irish academy, a move that proved to be a wise one.
He impressed at the London Irish academy, immediately becoming one of the best.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER
With a big name rising in the London Irish academy, the senior team could no longer ignore it. He made his PREM debut in May 2022 and went on to make 19 Premiership appearances during the 2022–2023 season, scoring three tries.
Chandler went on to play 25 games for the London Irish, scoring 15 points, and many top clubs enquired for him. The following year, in 2023, Chandler joined Harlequins and immediately became one of their best players.
Becoming one of the most promising, Chandler Cunningham-South, played a part in the side that reached the European Champions Cup semi-final for the first time. In May 2024, Chandler was nominated for the Premiership Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Season Award.
ENGLAND NATIONAL TEAM
After impressing as a young boy, Chandler played for the England under-18 national team. He went on to represent the Under 20 in 2022 and 2023, playing in 14 games.
The talented flanker earned his first national team call-up in 2024 and got his debut game against Italy in the Six Nations Championship.
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He impressed immediately and earned a place in the 2024 summer tour and the 2024 Autumn Nations Series. Since then, he has continued to develop, becoming an ever-present star for England.
CHANDLER CUNNINGHAM-SOUTH’S HEIGHT, WEIGHT AND PLAYING STYLE
Chandler Cunningham-South is an emerging rugby talent known for his powerful build and dynamic style of play. Standing at approximately 1.96 metres (6 ft 5 in) and weighing around 110 kilograms, he possesses the physical presence ideal for a modern back-row forward. His size gives him an advantage in collisions, lineouts, and defensive situations, allowing him to dominate physically against opponents.
Primarily playing as a flanker or number eight, Cunningham-South is highly effective both in attack and defence. His playing style is characterised by explosive ball-carrying, strong tackling, and a high work rate across the field.
He consistently makes metres after contact and is known for his ability to break defensive lines. In addition, his athleticism enables him to cover ground quickly, support teammates, and compete effectively at the breakdown. This combination of size, strength, and mobility makes him a valuable asset and a promising figure in international rugby.
CHANDLER CUNNINGHAM-SOUTH’S FAMILY (PARENTS AND MORE)
The talented flanker Chandler Cunningham-South is the son of Richard and Caroline Cunningham-South. Growing up, his father, Richard, was his coach. Richard played the game himself, but did not reach the top heights.
Even when Chandler played for the national team, a level Richard himself did not reach, he would still criticise and push his son.
“Pre- and post-game, I get my reports from him, so he tells me what I should be doing. It’s in a WhatsApp, and it’s like a script – you have to click to read more and see it all. It’s all good, it’s all motivation, and it’s really helpful,” he said, speaking to The Guardian.
“He’s got a pretty decent rugby head. He used to coach me when I was young, for my last year before I went to high school, so he has got a little bit,” he continued.
On the other hand, his mother, Caroline, had been her biggest supporter, a source of hope and comfort. Candler had one sister and four half-brothers, all based in England. His sister is based in New Zealand, where their parents stay.