Born in 1921 in Treorchy, Rhondda, Cleaver was an exciting attacking player with a shrewd change of pace.

After one terrible game, under heavy weather conditions against Scotland, Cleaver gained the nickname 'Billy Kick'; though this was a harsh moniker considering his normal style of play.

[1] Cleaver was first selected for Wales during the 1947 Five Nations Championship, the first official game for the Welsh team after World War II.

In the 1950 campaign, in which Wales won the Grand Slam, Cleaver played in all four games, and scored a drop goal against Scotland.

Wales[7] During the 1950 Lions tour, Cleaver played ten provincial matches and in three test games against the All Blacks.