In the world of rugby, the prospect of playing in Japan's Rugby League One has become an enticing prospect for many international players. This is especially true for Italy's Stephen Varney, who recently experienced the electric atmosphere of a sold-out Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium during Italy's Nations Championship match against Japan.
Varney, a fluent Welsh speaker with Italian heritage, has made a name for himself in the Six Nations side. Despite Italy's defeat, he couldn't help but be captivated by the unique rugby culture in Japan.
"The fans were incredible, and the entire experience was amazing. Japan's rugby league is on an upward trajectory, and the brand of rugby played by the club teams is truly exciting," Varney shared in an interview with RugbyJP.com.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the global appeal of Japan's rugby scene. With stars like Aaron Smith and Faf de Klerk choosing to play in Japan, it's a testament to the country's growing rugby reputation.
"The fact that these big names are coming to Japan shows that it's an attractive destination for players," Varney added.
Varney's current contract with Exeter might be a temporary hurdle, but he's open to the idea of joining Japan's League One in the future.
"Playing in Japan would be a great honor. The people are so polite and respectful, and the rugby culture is unique. It's definitely something I'd consider," he said.
As Italy prepares for their next challenge against the formidable All Blacks, Varney emphasizes the importance of recovery and learning from their previous match.
"We need to rest and review our performance against Japan. It's a learning curve, and we must quickly adapt and prepare for the All Blacks."
The future of rugby in Japan looks bright, and with players like Varney considering a move, the league is set to become even more competitive and exciting.
Stay tuned to RugbyJP.com for more insights and coverage of the Nations Championship and the exciting developments in international rugby.
