News

Cairns wants silverware at Edinburgh

July 15 2009

Edinburgh centre Ben Cairns has sounded a warning to rival Magners League outfits that his side will be gunning to improve on last term's impressive effort when the new season kicks off on September 4.

The fast-improving three-quarter finished top of the club's try scoring chart in 2008/09 and also crossed for Scotland before performing strongly in the 'A' side's IRB Nations Cup success.

But with pre-season now in full swing, Cairns admitted his focus is firmly back with Edinburgh as he looks to start strongly against Cardiff Blues in their quest to wrestle the title from Munster.

"I'm really looking forward to the season. After what we achieved last season, we are all looking to build on that," the 23-year-old said, speaking to the club's website.

"Finishing second last season was massive for us and now lots of teams will sit up and take note. So we know that we need to get off to a good start.

"We've got the best unbeaten record in the league after winning our final six games, so we're looking to build some momentum early on.

"All the work that is required in order to enjoy a good season, both in the Magners League and the Heineken Cup, starts by having a good pre-season.

"Guys who have been in for the past month have been working really hard and I'm just looking forward to getting back into it and competing. I know it is going to be hard work, but I'm looking forward to the challenge.

"The big thing for me is to always looking to continue to improve. My goals are based around building on the previous season's achievements. I will want to do even better this year.

"Getting my first cap in Argentina was massive for me then the Autumn Tests went fairly well, but not having the best Six Nations means that I want to put that right this year. That starts by playing well for Edinburgh right from the beginning of the season.

"I need to have a good pre-season and get the fitness work right over the next month before the rugby starts with the warm up match against Harlequins."

On the subject of last month's tournament success in Romania, Cairns admitted that lifting the trophy was the perfect way to both end the season and put past injuries behind him.

"Finishing off the way we did in the Nations Cup was massive for me as well. That was the highlight of my career so far, winning on the international stage; even though it was 'A' level," he said.

"That was a great feat for us as a nation. We are starting this season with new targets and higher goals again.

"The nature of rugby is that you don't rest on your laurels and you are always looking to improve. If you look back into the past too much then it is going to affect the way you play moving forward.

"Although last season was brilliant, we want to go better again and we want a better run in the Heineken Cup and to do better in the Magners League as well."