Manuel Vareiro (Provence Rugby): the 21-year-old Portuguese who can swing the Pro D2 final

A year ago, his name meant nothing to anyone in France. Today, Manuel Vareiro is about to play in the Pro D2 final with Provence Rugby, next Saturday at the Stadium de Toulouse against Vannes. At 21, the young man from Lisbon has become in a few months the Aix club’s designated goal-kicker and one of the most promising faces of Portuguese rugby. Portrait.

Manuel Vareiro, 15th-highest points scorer in Pro D2 2025-2026

For his first French season, the man born on 14 January 2005 did not do things by halves. 117 points scored in 16 matches (15 starts), a total that puts him in the top 15 points scorers in the championship and makes him Provence Rugby’s number one off the tee.

Perfect discipline, an impressive workload for a newcomer to France, and a consistency that has ended up earning him the status of a senior figure.

From GD Direito to Provence: an unusual path

Developed at GD Direito, one of Lisbon’s leading clubs, Vareiro discovered rugby in an environment where passion makes up for the lack of resources. The Portuguese championship remains a semi-professional world, without the physical density or the tempo of French rugby. When Provence Rugby signed him in the summer of 2025, the gamble was clear: bet on raw talent and room for improvement.

The transplant took quickly. Versatile — able to play wing, full-back or fly-half — Vareiro was first useful off the bench before settling into the starting XV. His profile matches exactly what clubs are looking for today: a complete back, reliable off the tee, without any undisciplined excesses.

Colomiers – Provence semi-final: Vareiro’s masterclass

On the Michel-Bendichou pitch, Vareiro produced one of the most complete matches of his young career. Four penalties kicked (2′, 22′, 26′, half-time), one conversion of Bituniyata’s try, and above all a killer try in the 68th minute that finished the match off for good.

The passage of play is worth a look. Under pressure 35 metres from his own line, Colomiers scrum-half Théo Giral, about to be pushed into touch by Lapègue, tries a blind pass. Arthur Coville intercepts, steps off one foot and finds Vareiro alongside him. The Portuguese touches down. 14-29. Colomiers are out on their feet.

Manuel Vareiro, Portugal international with 11 caps

With 11 caps in the Lobos jersey, Vareiro is part of the generation pushing behind the heroes of the 2023 World Cup. He joins the line of Portuguese players who have made their mark in France: Samuel Marques (28 caps, now at Béziers) and his semi-final opponent Rodrigo Marta (Colomiers, two tries on Saturday night).

Portuguese rugby is seeing its best talents settle for the long term in Pro D2 and the Top 14. Vareiro is one of the most promising of this new wave.

The Portuguese who won Pro D2 before Vareiro

Several Portugal internationals have already lifted the Pro D2 trophy:

The benchmark remains José Lima, a champion with Oyonnax in 2017 and a Portugal international with 62 caps. Were Vareiro to follow his elder’s example on Saturday, he would join that line at the age of 21.

Pro D2 final Vannes – Provence Rugby: what is at stake for Vareiro

Against Vannes, overwhelming favourites with the best attack and the best defence in the championship, Provence Rugby will need all their senior men. And their young Portuguese kicker first and foremost.

Kick-off on Saturday 6 June in Toulouse. Manuel Vareiro will have the tee in one hand, and the desire to write his own story in the other.