Spinks started playing mini rugby when he was 5 years old. By his fourth year of high school at North Berwick he played for the 1st XV. The rugby coach at Fettes College got Spinks a scholarship there.[2]
In June 2014 it was announced that Spinks would join Glasgow Warriors as part of their Elite Development Programme.[3] As part of his deal Spinks was able to play for Glasgow Hawks when not involved with the Warriors.[4]
After a stint in Jersey he re-joined the Hawks in 2016.[5]
The back-row forward was to sign for London Scottish straight from Fettes College.[6]
During the 2014–15 season he was loaned out to the Ospreys.[7] and played twice in the LV Cup.[8]
He played twice for Glasgow Warriors in the Pro12 league in their championship winning season; both appearances as substitute. On 28 February 2015 he made his debut for Glasgow Warriors away to Munster at Thormond Park. He also appeared in the 6 March 2015 home match at Scotsoun against Italian side Zebre.[9] He was also part of the Warriors 7s squad that successfully defended the 2015 Melrose Sevens.[10]
On 28 May 2015 it was announced that Tommy Spinks would sign for Jersey Rugby Club.[11]
He left Jersey to re-join Glasgow Hawks in July 2016.[5]
Spinks has played for the Scotland under 18s,[12] under 20s[13] and ClubXVs.[14] He captained the under-20 national side at the Under-20 Rugby World Cup in 2014.[15]
Spinks has agreed to a player-coach deal at Glasgow Academicals for season 2019–20.[16]