Varndell’s a new man after leaving first love

Four years ago Tom Varndell was cast out of Leicester but on Sunday he returns with London Wasps in the form of his life.

The 27-year-old has 12 scores this season, putting him comfortably on top of the Premiership try-scorers list.

“Moving to Wasps was the making of me,” said the wing.

So how has Varndell (above) turned his career around after falling out of favour at Leicester, the club where he came through the Academy?

The speedster says he is thriving as one of the more senior players in a squad that contains young talents such as Elliot Daly, Joe Launchbury and Christian Wade. He has worked to develop his defensive game and the natural attacker is enjoying the results.

He said: “I think it’s the happiest I’ve been in terms of going on the pitch relaxed and enjoying my rugby. That comes from the players around me. We’ve got a young squad and you feed off the youngsters and their ambitions motivate everybody.”

By coincidence, Wasps’ last victory at Welford Road, in September 2008, was Varndell’s last start for Leicester before he was subjected to eight months on the bench or with the reserves.

But there is no sign of bitterness from the winger who still cherishes his time with the Tigers.

“I’ve kept all my shirts and everything, all the stuff I won there,” said Varndell. “Stuff like that stays with you forever. A team like Leicester have a big squad and if you’re not up for it then you’re shipped out and that’s the end of it. I loved my time there.”