Melle Haanstra is a talented and powerful Dutch international rugby union player who primarily plays at outside centre. Hailing from Heiloo in the Netherlands, Haanstra began his rugby journey at a young age and quickly progressed through the national age-grade ranks, representing the Netherlands at U16 and U20 levels. His performances stood out early on at Castricumse Rugby Club (Cas RC), where he earned a reputation as one of the country’s most promising young players. He was recognised with several accolades, including selection in the Dutch youth national teams and nominations for youth sports awards.

Seeking higher levels of competition and development, Haanstra moved abroad to further his career. In France, he joined the academy setups of Valence Romans Drôme and US Seynoise, where he continued to develop his physical game and rugby intelligence. In 2024, he signed with Romanian powerhouse CSA Steaua București, showcasing his versatility and international quality. At 1.87 metres tall and weighing 99 kilograms, Haanstra combines size, strength, and agility—qualities that make him a constant threat in the midfield and a reliable defender.

After his time abroad, Haanstra returned to the Netherlands in 2025 to rejoin Cas RC in the Ereklasse, bringing with him valuable international experience and leadership. His time in France and Romania helped refine his game and exposed him to a more physical, structured style of rugby, which he now brings back to Dutch rugby. With a professional mindset and a proven track record at both domestic and international levels, Melle Haanstra continues to be a key figure in the ongoing development of rugby in the Netherlands.