Italy's Stephen Varney, a rising star in the rugby world, is eyeing a potential move to Japan's Rugby League One, a competition that has been steadily gaining traction and attracting some of the sport's biggest names. Varney, who spoke exclusively to RugbyJP.com, expressed his admiration for the Japanese rugby scene, particularly the vibrant atmosphere and the high-quality gameplay of the clubs in League One.
As a fluent Welsh speaker with Italian heritage, Varney is eligible to represent both Wales and Italy. His recent performance for Italy in the Nations Championship, where they faced Japan, left him with a mix of emotions. While he acknowledged Japan's superior physicality and speed, he also valued the experience of playing in front of a sold-out crowd at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, an 'amazing' atmosphere that he believes is a key factor in the league's appeal.
Varney's comments come on the heels of his team's disappointing performance against Japan, where they were outplayed and outpowered. Despite the loss, Varney's enthusiasm for the sport and the Japanese rugby culture is evident. He highlights the respect and politeness of the Japanese people, adding to the allure of the country for rugby players.
The 25-year-old scrum-half, who has already tasted success with Exeter Chiefs in the PREM Rugby, is a testament to the growing interest in Japan's rugby league. His potential move to Japan would not only be a personal honor but also contribute to the league's global recognition, further elevating its status as a destination for top talent.
Varney's contract with Exeter Chiefs, signed in December, does not prevent him from exploring opportunities abroad. His statement, 'For sure, one day it would be a great honor to play out here in Japan,' indicates a strong possibility of a future move. As Italy prepares for a challenging match against the All Blacks, Varney's thoughts are already turning towards the potential of playing in the vibrant and rapidly improving Japanese rugby scene.
