Stephen Lorenzo Varney, born on May 16, 2001, is a professional rugby union player who represents Italy at international level.
Although he was born in Wales, Varney qualifies for Italy through his Italian mother, Valeria. He primarily plays as a scrum-half for Gloucester in the English Premiership.
Varney began his rugby career at Crymych RFC in Wales and later joined the Gloucester Academy after attending Hartpury College. Despite temporarily giving up rugby to focus on golf after missing out on the Scarlets' pathway system, he returned to the game and quickly made a name for himself.
He showcased his talent during his time at Hartpury College and earned a place in the Gloucester RFC Academy.
In January 2020, Varney was selected for the Italy Under 20 squad for the Six Nations Under 20s Championship. He also represented Italy at the U18 Six Nations, scoring two tries against Wales in a 34-13 victory.
Varney's impressive performances caught the attention of the national selectors, and he was called up to the Italy senior squad for the resumption of the 2020 Six Nations season.
He made his international debut for Italy as a substitute during the Autumn Nations Cup match against Scotland in 2020. Despite his young age, Varney quickly rose through the ranks at Gloucester and became a key member of the team. He made notable contributions, including scoring tries off the bench and earning a starting spot in matches.
Stephen Lorenzo Varney's dynamic playing style and impressive performances have established him as a promising talent in Italian rugby.
With his dual heritage and skills on the field, he has the potential to make a significant impact in the sport at both club and international levels.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Varney has been named in the squad for Italy.
KG(24/06/2023)
Career
Gloucester Rugby Scrum Half |
2019 - present | |
Italy Scrum Half |
2020 - present | |
Hartpury University RFC Scrum Half |
2019 - 2019 | |
Italy U20's Scrum Half |
2020 - 2020 |