Clifford began playing rugby age 11 for Cranleigh Mini's and Cobham youths before joining Harlequins Academy two years later. He played for Cobham Rugby club from age 13 in which they had a five-year unbeaten record.[2] He was dual registered with National League 1 side Ealing Trailfinders for the 2011–12 season and made his first appearance in senior rugby on 7 January 2012 against Jersey.[3] He joined Esher on a similar agreement the following season and also made his senior debut for Harlequins in November 2012 as a replacement in the 31–30 Anglo-Welsh Cup win over Northampton Saints.[4] In 2013 he re-joined Ealing on dual registration terms.[5]
He was forced to retire through injury in August 2020.[6]
International career
Born in Brisbane, Australia to a Kenyan father and an English mother, Clifford has captained England under-18 and under-20 level. This included England's victory in the Under-20s
World Cup in 2013.[7]