Bring on the Lions, says Hong Kong’s Barbarian Varty
Rowan Varty confident he’s ready for the challenge after overcoming his fears at Twickenham
"I was scared out of my skin but I proved I was no token player" was how Hong Kong winger Rowan Varty recounted his 18 minutes of fame in front of 60,000 fans at Twickenham as England's young guns crushed the Barbarians 40-12 on Sunday.
Varty, the first Hong Kong player ever to be picked by the Barbarians, came on as a replacement in the 62nd minute for right winger Timoci Nagusa and had a couple of good touches of the ball but could not do much to halt the England attack. On Saturday he will be on more familiar turf when the Barbarians take on the British and Irish Lions at Hong Kong Stadium.
They may have thought I was a token pick...but I seem to have passed the test
"I feel more comfortable now having got the chance to run out at Twickenham," Varty said.
"I hope I can come on and enjoy myself a bit more than I did last time, as I was downright worried that I would make a mistake and embarrass myself in front of all those people.
"Sitting on the bench was one of the most nervous experiences for me. The subs had just had a warm-up and we had just come back when I was told I would have to go on. I was really edgy and I remember my first touch of the ball, when I stepped inside and got hit in the face.
"But overall I think I did well. Soon the guys were coming up to me and saying 'well done' for little things I did and that settled my nerves. I think they expected me to be a token selection and didn't think I was up to the task. But happily I seem to have passed the test."
The Barbarians' invitation to a Hong Kong player was always on the cards ever since the Lions game was announced two years ago. Varty's name was put forward by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union who deemed it fit that a player who began his career from mini-rugby should represent the city.