Barbarians coach says Varty will be richer for experience without having played against Lions

Barbarians head coach Dai Young insisted Hong Kong's Rowan Varty would benefit from his experience with the team despite not being picked to face the Lions in front of his home crowd.

Varty was initially left out of the squad, then added as "standby" in case Mike Tindall failed to recover from a groin strain. When Tindall passed fit yesterday morning, Varty's dream of turning out in the biggest game of his life was over.

But Young insisted: "[His selection] was never 'on and off' - Rowan was on standby if Mike hadn't come through.

"I'm sure he's really enjoyed the experience, he certainly didn't look out of place, he's still a young lad and he's trained and played with some experienced internationals and he's only going to benefit from that."

Varty said yesterday he knew "deep inside" he would not get the opportunity to create another bit of history.

"I knew in my heart I would not get the chance to run out and play in front of my girlfriend, my mum and dad, and the Hong Kong fans when they announced I wasn't picked initially a few days ago," Varty said.