Tom Cairns

Quick of mind and hands, Tom Cairns is a scrum-half who has come through the Exeter Chiefs academy. Born on 19 June 2002, he plays the game at tempo, looking to deliver fast service to his fly-half and to keep his forwards moving with sharp, accurate distribution. Cairns is a livewire around the fringes, threatening to snipe through any gaps that open at the base of the ruck, and his tactical kicking gives his side a way to control territory and apply pressure. The number nine is one of the most demanding positions on the field, requiring constant communication, decision-making and game management, and Cairns has shown the temperament to take it on at senior level. Breaking into the Exeter first-team squad placed him at a club well known for its forward-oriented, structured approach in the Gallagher Premiership, where a half-back's ability to dictate tempo is highly prized. As a young scrum-half still building his portfolio of senior appearances, Cairns offers energy, continuity and the link play that connects forwards and backs. With game time and continued development, he has the attributes to grow into a reliable orchestrator of his team's attack.