StephenVarney

Chiefs completed the signing of Italian international scrum-half, Stephen Varney, ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Proven capable at Premiership level having previously made 42 appearances in the league for Gloucester, the half-back joins Chiefs from French Top 14 outfit Vannes whom he switched to in October 2024.

The 24-year-old half-back will join Chiefs to bring international experience to the scrum-half berth. Born in Carmarthen, Wales, Varney qualifies to play for Italy through his mother. He made his debut for the Azzuri in a 2020 Autumn Nations Cup clash against Scotland.

A product of the Gloucester Rugby Academy, Varney earned a senior call-up after putting in repeated impressive performances for the U18s alongside future first-team teammates Louis Rees-Zammit and Jack Clement.

On the international circuit, Varney is used to competing with some of his country’s best as he regularly goes up against the likes of Alessandro Garbisi and Martin Page-Relo in trying to secure the number nine shirt.

Varney will join another Italian international, Ross Vintcent, in the Chiefs ranks in a signing Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter believes could benefit both player and club.