Julian Heaven

Born on 1 October 2000, Australian back-rower Julian Heaven represents one of Exeter Chiefs' overseas additions in their pack. He arrived in Devon after coming through the NSW Waratahs academy system, where he developed the foundations of a physical, breakdown-focused game in Super Rugby's pathway competitions. A natural flanker, Heaven offers a high tackle count, persistent presence over the ball and willingness to take contact in the tight channels — attributes that fit neatly into Exeter's relentless forward template. His transition from Australian rugby into the Gallagher Premiership has required adjustment to a more set-piece-heavy style and a denser fixture list, but he has gradually added depth and competition to the Chiefs' back-row rotation since joining. At club level he sits within a deep group of openside and blindside options, and his role is typically to bring energy off the bench or in rotation. With international ambitions still ahead of him and several seasons of his prime to come, Heaven is regarded internally as a project forward whose ceiling will be shaped by how quickly he settles into the rigours of English club rugby.