Statement: Exeter Chiefs legend departs club for Premiership rivals

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At 29, Stu arrives after nearly a decade with Exeter Chiefs, where he climbed the ranks from Academy hopeful to a senior team regular.

Over 120 games later, Townsend has racked up 20 tries and been right in the thick of some of Exeter’s biggest moments — including their Premiership win in 2017 and that unforgettable double of Premiership and European Champions Cup glory in 2020.

You might remember Stu from the recent Round 17 Gallagher Premiership clash where he played against us and even nabbed a second-half try — now he’s swapping the Chiefs for Quins and can’t wait to get started.

On joining Harlequins, Stu said: “I’m really excited to be joining Harlequins and starting this next chapter.

"After so many brilliant years at Exeter, the time felt right for a new challenge — somewhere I can push myself, grow as a player, and contribute to something fresh.

“Harlequins is a Club steeped in history — the ambition and environment really stood out to me. Can’t wait to meet the lads and dive into pre-season.”

This isn’t our dream team — it’s the starting XV most favoured by the bookies to line up in the first Test against Australia:

1. Andrew Porter (Ireland)
A powerful and versatile prop, Porter is known for his scrummaging strength and work rate around the park.

2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
Dynamic and athletic hooker with strong carrying ability and solid set-piece skills.

3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
A world-class tighthead prop with superb scrummaging technique, ball-handling skills, and a strong presence in both attack and defence.

4. Maro Itoje (England)
World-class lock renowned for his lineout dominance, breakdown pressure, and leadership qualities.

5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
A highly skilled and mobile lock/flanker hybrid, Beirne excels at turnovers and offers great versatility.

6. Tom Curry (England)
Hard-hitting flanker with a high tackle count and breakdown expertise; a relentless competitor.

7. Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, van der Flier combines work rate, speed, and breakdown prowess.

8. Ben Earl (England)
Explosive back-row forward with dynamic ball-carrying and strong support play.

9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
A sharp, quick-thinking scrum-half who dictates tempo and brings pace to the game.

10. Finn Russell (Scotland)
Creative and unpredictable fly-half known for his vision, flair, and pinpoint passing and kicking.

12. Bundee Aki (Ireland)
A physical, direct inside centre with powerful running lines and strong defensive skills.

13. Huw Jones (Scotland)
A classy outside centre with attacking instincts, speed, and a nose for the try line.

11. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
Towering and powerful winger who’s a constant threat with ball in hand.

14. James Lowe (Ireland)
Energetic winger with a booming boot, strong defence, and attacking creativity.

15. Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
Tall, athletic fullback with strong counter-attacking ability and a reliable kicking game.