Stephen Varney: Exeter’s Italy scrum-half signs new deal

Exeter’s Italy scrum-half Stephen Varney has signed a new contract with the Prem club.

The 24-year-old moved to Sandy Park in the summer after a season at French side Vannes having spent much of his career at Gloucester.

He has started six of Exeter’s seven league games this season in their impressive start to the Prem campaign, scoring his first league try for the club in the comeback win over Saracens on Saturday.

He is the second Exeter player to agree new terms following Ethan Roots’ new two-year deal last week.

Exeter have not disclosed the length of Varney’s contract.

“He came here for a year to see how things go and he’s had a fantastic impact for us so far this season,” Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter said.

“You can see he’s a quality player and he’s been an important part of why we’ve gone well.

“His individual skills of passing, kicking and reading the game partnered with his great pace have been key.

“He’s clearly very passionate about doing well for the club and doing well for his team-mates.

“He’s probably the guy who celebrates tries harder than anyone else, and that’s fantastic to see that we’ve got players who are passionate about what we’re doing. So, I think he’s a very important signing for us going forward.”