Exeter feeling like home for scrum-half Varney

Italian international Stephen Varney only joined Exeter Chiefs at the start of the 2025/26 season, but the scrum-half believes he’s already found his place in Devon.

Varney said: “I love playing for Chiefs. The group of lads, coaches, staff and the supporters have been excellent since I joined at the start of the season. I really do feel at home here.”

The 24-year-old was back in action for Chiefs’ bonus-point win over Sale Sharks at Sandy Park last Saturday afternoon. It was a performance in which he helped to set up the all-important fourth try with his half-back partner, Harvey Skinner.

The two seem to have settled quickly into a seamless working relationship on the field.

Varney said: “I really enjoyed linking back up with Harvey last weekend. I think we make a good duo and he’s someone who I think leads the team well and has clear run of our attack.”

There had been some frustration in the weeks leading up to the fixture for Varney, who was ruled out of the first four rounds of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations due to injury. However, he fought his way back to fitness to feature in Cardiff for the Italian’s final round against Wales.

He said: “It was frustrating to have had an injury for the majority of the tournament but to come back for that last game against Wales, I was really grateful to be back out on the pitch. It was great to be back representing Italy on the international stage.

“We’re in a good spot at the moment and we’ve been building from every game, which is pleasing to see. Hopefully we have a good summer tour to lead into the autumn and then the Guinness Six Nations again, all of which we hope will put us in a good position leading into the Rugby World Cup.”

Chiefs also seem to be steadily gathering momentum. The Exeter men are in the fight at the top of the domestic table while also having one eye on progression in their European campaign.

Varney said: “Top four in the Gallagher PREM is very important for us as a group, and to be in with a fighting chance is brilliant. Every game is vital at the moment and it’s an exciting position to be in. Obviously, we want to do well in the EPCR Challenge Cup also, so we have that to focus on next week which will be good.”

Next week’s challenge is a tough one as Irish juggernauts Munster Rugby arrive at Sandy Park for a Last 16 EPCR Challenge Cup knockout. There will be some familiar faces amongst the opposition for the young scrum-half.

He said: “Munster are a well-supported team so hopefully there will be a good atmosphere at Sandy Park for next weekend’s game. I’ve played against several of their players a few times and they certainly do well for Ireland, so it should be an exciting game.”

For now, however, the focus of Varney and his teammates is firmly set upon coming up against Newcastle Red Bulls at Kingston Park on Friday evening. The northern side pushed Northampton Saints to the wire last weekend and had the better of Chiefs on home soil last season. How then have Rob Baxter’s men prepared?

Varney said: “The main thing is to win and perform well this week. It’s always tough to go up to Newcastle but if we can focus on ourselves and our game plan, then we’ll be in a good spot.”

The match kicks off at 19:45 on Friday, March 27 and is broadcast live on TNT Sports, or you can follow along in our live match centre here.