Born in Torbay, Townsend was first introduced to rugby as a six-year-old at his local club Kingsbridge.
[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.
[2] He started the final as Exeter Chiefs defeated Wasps to be crowned champions of the 2016-17 English Premiership.
[4] The final was rearranged to March 30 due to snow and Townsend played as the Chiefs won 28-11.