Matt Cairns

Matt Cairns (born 31 March 1979) is a former rugby union footballer who played at hooker for Harlequins and has been capped for the England national side as well as representing England in the Saxons and Sevens teams as well as at several age group levels. He also played for a season with Sale Sharks and has had two spells with Saracens. He retired on 14 February 2012 due to medical advice. He is now Head Coach of Caldy Rugby Club in CHAMP Rugby.

Early life Born 31 March 1979 in Birkenhead, Cairns attended Wirral Grammar School for Boys where he made his first representative appearances for the North Under-16s, followed by games at colts level for London and England while playing for Wirral Rugby Club. An all round sportsman, he also had trials for Liverpool F.C. He then attended Brunel University, playing at the time for England Students. followed by a debut appearance in the starting line up the following season, along with several more bench appearances.

It was clear that in the 2003–04 season it became clear that Cairns would competing for his place with French captain Raphaël Ibañez who had just been signed by Saracens, and he returned to the north for a spell with Sale Sharks.

Sale Sharks 2003–04 Cairns spent a single season with Sale Sharks, making ten starting appearances in their Guinness Premiership campaign, with a further eight bench appearances and scoring four Premiership tries. before falling victim to the virus that prevented many England players being considered for the second test.

He signed a new contract with Saracens in 2006, that if completed will see Cairns mark ten years of service with the club. Following the 2008/09 season Cairns was one of the bunch who were released by Saracens. Cairns has recently signed with London club Harlequins and was named on the bench in the LV= Cup Match against The Llanelli Scarlet's.