Gloucester's Stephen Varney set for immediate effect Top 14 switch

Vannes are in advanced talks with Gallagher Premiership outfit Gloucester about an immediate move that will see Italy international scrum-half Stephen Varney move to Brittany. The 23-year-old, who is Welsh-born, qualifies for the Azzurri through his Italian mother Valeria. However, ahead of next month’s Autumn Nations Series, he hasn't made an appearance for the Cherry and Whites so far this season.

George Skivington is well-stocked for scrum-halves after adding Wales international Tomos Williams to the Kingsholm ranks from United Rugby Championship outfit Cardiff in the summer. He has also got former London Irish, Ireland U19 and England A pick Caolan Englefield in his squad, as well as Scotland U20 international Charlie Chapman.

It means that Varney, who has made 65 appearances since joining Gloucester in 2020 after spending a season in the Championship with Hartpury, is the third or fourth choice despite signing a deal in April 2023.

Cardiff were linked with a move for him a couple of years ago but his next switch appears to be to Vannes, who are playing in the Top 14 for the first time this season and are looking to strengthen their squad. Varney, who has 30 Test caps, is out of contract at the end of this season and is unlikely to be offered a new contract by Gloucester, who aren't standing in his way from leaving.

Vannes, the French top-flight newcomers, have lost five of their six games this season. They had Kiwi Michael Ruru, the brother of Oyonnax scrum-half Jonathan, starting the opening three games but he hasn’t played since the win over Lyon.

Jules Le Bail has instead started their last three games, while Alexandre Gouaux has made two appearances off the bench, leaving coach Jean-Noel Spitzer looking to see who is immediately available.

Vannes, who host Gloucester in the EPCR Challenge Cup in December, could unveil Varney before their Top 14 trip to the Stade Marcel-Michelin on Saturday afternoon where they face Clermont.