A past pupil of Hoërskool Middelburg in Mpumalanga, Christopher van Leeuwen first earned provincial selection at the U18 Craven Week of 2012, before repeating the feat the following year. Van Leeuwen remained in Mpumalanga after completing his schooling, and his ‘lead from the front’ approach culminated in the Pumas handing him the proverbial captain’s armband for their U19 Currie Cup campaign in 2014. A superb lineout operator, Christopher spent a further season in Mbombela, before shifting his focus to a more difficult challenge. He moved to KwaZulu-Natal and impressed at one of South Africa’s premier clubs, Durban Collegians.

The physically imposing forward caught the attention of Natal Sharks coaches and he was duly called up to their squad for the U21 Currie Cup of 2016. A short cross-town shift to College Rovers meant van Leeuwen featured in the nationally televised Gold Cup, before embarking on a new test with Wakarewarewa in New Zealand. The enforcer thrived in the intensity of the Baywide Premier competition and was duly rewarded with a contract at Fédérale 1 outfit, Bergerac. Fulfilling the roles of both athletic set piece general and destructive carrier, he started in 14 out of 16 fixtures for the club. Fast approaching his prime, Chris drew the attention of Nationale club, Suresnes, where he continues to excel.