Roma Zheng (born 18 October 2001) is an English professional rugby union who plays as a winger for Premiership Rugby club Harlequins.

Roma Zheng
Date of birth (2001-10-18) 18 October 2001 (age 23)
Place of birthWarrington, England
Height1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)[1]
Weight99 kg (15 st 8 lb; 218 lb)
UniversityCardiff Metropolitan University
Rugby union career
Position(s) Wing
Current team Harlequins
Youth career
20??-2020 Warrington RUFC
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2019–2020 Warrington RUFC 1 (0)
2020–2023 Cardiff Metropolitan University ()
2023– Harlequins 2 (5)
Correct as of 12 March 2024
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2022 England Students 1 (0)

Club career

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Born in Warrington, Zheng played rugby for Warrington RUFC growing up where he played for the 1st XV once.[2] He did not attend a traditional rugby school and was not part of an academy setup before 2023. In 2020 he began studying at Cardiff Metropolitan University where he played for the university's BUCS Super Rugby team, the national championship for university students in England. He was a standout for the team having scored 21 tries and beating 175 defenders n his first two years in the competition.[3][1]

In June 2023, he signed an academy contract with Harlequins for the following season.[4]

In September 2023, he made his debut off the bench for Harlequins against Hartpury University in the Premiership Rugby Cup. He scored in the 77th minute having replaced Oscar Beard as they won 54-14.[5]

International career

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In April 2022, Zheng was one of three players from Cardiff Metropolitan University selected to play for England Students against French Universities.[6] England went on to win 16-15 at Kingston Park.[7]

Personal life

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Zheng has three brothers, all of whom played rugby for Warrington RUFC.[3]

Since 2020, alongside his rugby commitments, Zheng has been studying for a degree in Sports Coaching at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Having signed for Harlequins, he joins current squad members Alex Dombrandt and Luke Northmore as former attendees of the university.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Roma Zheng Profile". Harlequins. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  2. ^ "RFU". www.englandrugby.com. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
  3. ^ a b Hastings, Dominic. "Roma Zheng signs for Harlequins". Warrington RUFC. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Cardiff Met student signs full time rugby contract with Harlequins". Cardiff Metropolitan University. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  5. ^ "Harlequins vs Hartpury University". Harlequins. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  6. ^ "England Students Squad Announced". England Rugby. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  7. ^ Harvey, Joe. "England Students beat France Universities 16-15 at Kingston Park". Talking Rugby Union. Retrieved 12 March 2024.