Stephen Varney


Stephen Lorenzo Varney is a professional rugby union player who primarily plays scrum-half for Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Rugby. Although Welsh-born, he represents Italy at international level, having made his test debut against Scotland in 2020 during the Autumn Nations Cup. Varney previously played for Hartpury. He is a fluent Welsh speaker.
Varney comes from Rhoshill, Pembrokeshire, and played for Crymych RFC. In 2020 he was named for Italy U20 squad, for which he qualifies through his Italian mother, Valeria. Varney was named in the Italy Under 20 squad for the 2020 Six Nations Under 20s Championship.
Varney made his international debut for Italy, from the bench, in 2020 in the Autumn Nations Cup against Scotland. He was named in the Italy's 33-man squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
On 20 October 2024, Varney would leave Gloucester with immediate effect to join French side Vannes in the Top 14 competition. On 20 March 2025, Varney returned to the Premiership in England to join Exeter Chiefs for the 2025–26 season.
In December 2025, Varney signed a contract extension with Exeter Chiefs.

Statistics

List of international test tries

As of 17 December 2025
TryOpposing teamLocationVenueCompetitionDateResultScore
1Treviso, ItalyStadio Comunale di Monigo2021 end-of-year rugby union internationals13 November 2021Loss16 - 37
2Rome, ItalyStadio Olimpico2023 Six Nations25 February 2023Loss20 - 34
3Treviso, ItalyStadio Comunale di Monigo2023 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches26 August 2023Win42 – 21
4Rome, ItalyStadio Olimpico2024 Six Nations9 March 2024Win31 - 29
5Rome, ItalyStadio Olimpico2025 Six Nations15 March 2025Loss17 - 22
6Windhoek, NamibiaHage Geingob Rugby Stadium2025 July Internationals27 June 2025Win6 - 73