British and Irish Lions

The 21-year-old is in line for his debut in National One this weekend when Bedford host Exeter Chiefs

"There is a shortage of opportunities for Tom to play at the moment as we are looking at some other guys in a competitive position in the squad and it is important for players to get consistent game-time," said Tigers head coach Pat Howard.

"As there is a shortage of Guinness A League games in the next couple of weeks, we have had to look for other avenues for players."

Varndell will be available for Bedford during the next couple of weeks but he will return to Tigers in time for the start of the Heineken Cup campaign in late October.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.

Tom Youngs has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of the British & Irish game but he won't be resting on his laurels ahead of his first Lions adventure.

Check out the video from the day the HSBC Cubs met The British & Irish Lions at the Vale of Glamorgan in a day they will remember for the rest of their lives.