Chiefs scrum half makes move to Harlequins

Exeter Chiefs scrum half Stu Townsend has agreed a move to Harlequins for the 2025/26 season, bringing to a close an emotional chapter in a career that began at Kingsbridge RFC and has spanned over a decade at Sandy Park.

The 29-year-old, who came through the Chiefs Academy and became a firm fan favourite, will join the London side after making 125 appearances and lifting both Premiership and Champions Cup trophies during his time at the club.

“Exeter Chiefs has meant everything to me,” said Townsend. “It’s been my home for over half of my life.

I’ve had some unbelievable highs at the club and the lowest of lows. It’s been one hell of a rollercoaster, but I’ve loved every minute.

My decision to move on was a tough decision but I felt it was the right time to move on and I’m extremely excited about the new opportunity I’ve been given.

I will always look back with great memories at Sandy Park and I wish everyone at the club the best for the future. I’ll be back for a beer or two for sure!”

Townsend’s rise began in local rugby with Kingsbridge before moving through the ranks at Ivybridge Community College and joining the Chiefs Academy. He played for England U20s and featured for Taunton Titans and Cornish Pirates before being called up to the senior squad full-time in 2016.

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter praised Townsend’s resilience and impact on the squad: “Stu has been an incredible player for the club. He came through the academy, worked his way into the senior side and has played a large part in a period of dominance in the Premiership for Chiefs.

He’s had his issues with injuries throughout his career, but he’s always battled through really hard to fight his way back into the team and back into our front-line group.

We really appreciate everything he has done for us. I think now is an interesting time for him and probably a good time for him to experience something else in rugby and in life in general. I hope a move to London is something that he can really enjoy.”

Townsend, who recently became a Chiefs centurion, will have one final chance to run out at Sandy Park in next weekend’s fixture against Sale Sharks.