The 19-year-old made it four tries in five games for Gloucester since rugby returned from lockdown and also picked up the man of the match award in the bonus-point win over London Irish.
The teenage tyro has been given more time that he expected in the Premiership by new head coach George Skivington and is starting to look the part in the senior professional game. He’s come a long way in a short time since leaving Ysgol y Preseli in Crymych.
“I wasn’t expecting to get as many opportunities as I’ve had, it but I’m honoured and privileged to get out there and play for Gloucester,” said Varney.
“I’m enjoying the new environment here. It’s a good young squad with a few experienced lads to learn off.
“Over lockdown I’ve been working on my game, messaging Willi Heinz and getting advice from him and trying to get some continuous development with my game management.”
The son of the former Neath flanker Adrian Varney, his mother, Valeria, provides him with an Italian link and he has embarrassed the land of his birth by helping the Azzurri to beat Wales at U18 and U20 level.
“I went to Hartpury College at 16 to join the Gloucester academy. It has all flown by since then,” he added.
“London Irish were very scrappy and we struggle dot execute our game plan in the first-half, so it was good to pull away in the second half and get the win. We’re trying to get that top six and potentially further.”
Gloucester are back in contention for a place in next season’s Heineken Champions Cup as a result of their win over London Irish. Another impressive try from electric wing Louis Rees-Zammit helped them to recover from a losing position on 50 minutes and Varney’s strike also helped.
“He’s a young nine and we have put a lot of time and investment into him over the last few months particularly,” said Gloucester boss, Skivington.
“Tim Taylor, our skills coach, has a very good hold on Steve and what strengths and weaknesses he needs to work on. Tim has put a huge amount of effort into pushing him forward and helping him to develop to where he is now.”
