Born in Torbay, Townsend was first introduced to rugby as a six-year-old at his local club Kingsbridge. He was educated at the local Primary and Community College before attending Ivybridge Community College, where he joined the Exeter Chiefs Academy system.[citation needed]
Townsend featured for England at various age levels, including that of the Under-20s,[citation needed] and also in the National Leagues with both Taunton Titans and the Cornish Pirates.[citation needed]
After playing regularly in the Championship Townsend was recalled to the Chiefs squad midway through the 16/17 season after injuries to fellow nines, Dave Lewis and Will Chudley.
After a number of appearances off the bench both in the Premiership and Europe, on his first full starting appearance he scored a try against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road.[2] He started the final as Exeter Chiefs defeated Wasps to be crowned champions of the 2016-17 English Premiership.[3]
He scored a try for Exeter in the second minute of the semi-final against Newcastle Falcons to help book a place in the final of the Anglo-Welsh Cup for Exeter to be played against Bath Rugby on the 18 March 2018.[4] The final was rearranged to March 30 due to snow and Townsend played as the Chiefs won 28-11.[5]
After making 106 appearances for Exeter he signed a new contract with the club in May 2024.[6]
