What Stephen Varney’s contract extension means for his international future
Former Gloucester scrum half secures contract extension at Chiefs and what it means for his international future
Former Gloucester scrum-half Stephen Varney has extended his stay with the Exeter Chiefs, signing a new, longer-term deal with the Devon-based club.
Stephen Varney extends contract with Exeter Chiefs
- His return to form has resulted in international honours
- He’s secured the number nine jersey at the Chiefs
- Rob Baxter’s been “thrilled” with Varney since arriving
The Italian international has been in fine form for the Chiefs since arriving from French side Vannes, where he spent a season playing in the Top 14 before his side was relegated after winning just one game from the sixteen he played.
His return to the English Premiership has been fruitful for the 24-year-old, as he’s settled into life on the south-west coast with some sterling performances in the new jersey.
His growth has also been acknowledged by the national set-up, with Varney now regaining the starting number nine shirt for the Azzurri, most recently performing against the Wallabies and the Springboks.
Varney’s closest rivals for the Italian number nine shirt are Martin Page-Rello and Alessandro Garbisi, but both players appear to be playing second fiddle to the in-form Varney.
Page-Rello, the more senior of the three, plies his trade in Bordeaux, partnering with the incredible Matthieu Jalibert. But in international colours, his gametime is limited, reserved to just three substitute appearances in this year’s Autumn internationals.
Garbisi, likewise, has had limited time on the field, appearing in just the one match for Italy this Autumn, when he played just over a half in their victory over Chile.
With Varney’s new side, Exeter Chiefs flying high in the league, and Varney having secured the starting spot, the Welsh-born star is very much set to push on and make that Italian shirt his own.
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Director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “We’re thrilled Stephen is extending his contract. He came here for a year to see how things go and he’s had a fantastic impact for us so far this season.
“You can see he’s a quality player and he’s been an important part of why we’ve gone well. His individual skills of passing, kicking and reading the game partnered with his great pace have been key.
“He’s clearly very passionate about doing well for the club and doing well for his teammates. He’s fully invested in what is going on. He’s probably the guy who celebrates tries harder than anyone else, and that’s fantastic to see that we’ve got players who are passionate about what we’re doing. So, I think he’s a very important signing for us going forward.”
Varney is also looking forward to what’s ahead, particularly considering the impressive start to the season that Exeter have had, currently sitting pretty at the top of the Premiership table.
“I’m delighted to be re-signing with Chiefs,” said the playmaker.
“Although I’ve only been here for this season, it’s been a place I’ve really enjoyed from day one.”
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“The group of players, the staff, and the supporters have made it a special environment to be part of, and I’ve felt welcomed from the moment I arrived.
“I’m excited about what’s ahead and what this club can achieve moving forward, and I’m looking forward to continuing the journey and seeing what’s next for us as a group.”
