Italy's Stephen Varney, a rising star in the rugby world, is considering a future move to Japan's Rugby League One, a competition that is rapidly gaining recognition and attracting top talent. Varney, who recently played in front of a sold-out crowd at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, expressed his admiration for Japan's rugby culture and the excitement of the League One competition.
Varney, a fluent Welsh speaker with Italian heritage, has been a key player for Italy's national team, earning 38 caps since his Test debut in 2020. His performance in the Nations Championship loss to Japan, despite Italy's below-par showing, left a lasting impression on him. The former Gloucester number nine, who has been a runner-up with Exeter Chiefs in the PREM Rugby, was particularly impressed by Japan's speed, accuracy, and physicality.
In an interview with RugbyJP.com, Varney shared his thoughts on the Japanese rugby scene. "I love visiting Japan, the people are very polite and respectful," he said. "The Japan league looks like it’s on the up and the club teams play a very exciting brand of rugby. The likes of Aaron Smith and Faf de Klerk playing in Japan just shows that it's a great place to come and play."
Varney's interest in Japan's rugby league is not just a passing fascination. He has signed a new contract with Exeter in December, but the prospect of playing in Japan's League One is an enticing one. "For sure, one day it would be a great honor to play out here in Japan," he stated.
Varney's potential move to Japan's Rugby League One is a significant development, given the competition's growing reputation and the quality of players it has attracted. The competition is becoming a hub for top-tier rugby, and Varney's interest in it highlights the sport's global appeal and the potential for players to experience different cultures and rugby styles.
As Italy prepares for a challenging match against the All Blacks, Varney's thoughts are already turning to the future. He understands the importance of recovery and learning from the Japan game to prepare for the upcoming test match. "Recovery will be very important to get the body right for a big test match," he said. "It’s important for us to review the game and learn as quickly as possible and move on to the All Blacks game."
Varney's journey and his potential move to Japan's Rugby League One is a testament to the sport's ability to bring players together from different cultures and backgrounds. It also showcases the growing popularity of rugby in Asia and the potential for players to experience new and exciting rugby environments. As Varney continues to excel in his career, his future in Japan's Rugby League One remains a captivating prospect for rugby fans worldwide.
