Johnson – you felt his presence the entire game.
RugbyPass has revealed that long-serving Exeter Chiefs scrum-half Stu Townsend will make the move to Harlequins ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
From Devon to the Big Smoke
The 29-year-old has been a familiar face at Sandy Park since 2012, racking up 119 appearances for the Chiefs – including 18 this season alone. His debut this campaign came in the 36-19 defeat to Quins back in October, ironically at Sandy Park.
Engaged to Irish Rugby Royalty
Born in Torbay, Townsend married former Ireland women’s captain Nichola Fryday.
Final Heartbreaks and Familiar Foes
He came off the bench in the 2021 Premiership final, where Harlequins edged past his Chiefs in an all-time classic at Twickenham. Most recently, he featured in Exeter’s Premiership Rugby Cup final loss to Bath last month.
New Challenge Incoming
Townsend’s arrival at the Stoop will ramp up the competition in Quins’ No.9 jersey, joining forces with Danny Care and Will Porter in what promises to be a red-hot battle for game time.
RugbyPass has revealed that long-serving Exeter Chiefs scrum-half Stu Townsend will make the move to Harlequinsahead of the 2025/26 season.
From Devon to the Big Smoke
The 29-year-old has been a familiar face at Sandy Park since 2012, racking up 119 appearances for the Chiefs – including 18 this season alone. His debut this campaign came in the 36-19 defeat to Quins back in October, ironically at Sandy Park.
Engaged to Irish Rugby Royalty
Born in Torbay, Townsend is engaged to former Ireland women’s captain Nichola Fryday, with the couple announcing the news last summer.
Final Heartbreaks and Familiar Foes
He came off the bench in the 2021 Premiership final, where Harlequins edged past his Chiefs in an all-time classic at Twickenham. Most recently, he featured in Exeter’s Premiership Rugby Cup final loss to Bath last month.
New Challenge Incoming
Townsend’s arrival at the Stoop will ramp up the competition in Quins’ No.9 jersey, joining forces with Danny Care and Will Porter in what promises to be a red-hot battle for game time.
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Ireland legend Paul O'Connell names his top 5 rugby players of all time
Now turning his attention to coaching, O’Connell recently looked back on his bruising career to reveal the five toughest opponents he ever faced – and some of the names will send chills down any forward’s spine.
? Victor Matfield – “He could destroy your lineout”
Position: Lock
Country: South Africa
Caps: 127
Country: South Africa
Caps: 127
Matfield wasn’t just a brilliant second-row – he was a
lineout surgeon. Awarded Man of the Match in the 2007 Rugby World Cup final, the Springbok was renowned for his athleticism, vision, and tactical nous.
“I tried not to fear any opponent,” O’Connell said. “But any international second-row will tell you that Matfield had the ability to destroy your lineout. He very rarely made any mistakes.”
? Jonny Wilkinson – “He could beat better teams on his own”
Position: Fly-half
Country: England
Caps: 91
Country: England
Caps: 91
Who else? Wilkinson’s iconic right-footed drop-goal sealed England’s 2003 World Cup win and cemented his status as one of the sport’s true greats. With 1,246 points to his name, only Dan Carter sits above him in Test rugby’s scoring charts.
“His drop goals, penalties, territorial kicking – it was so hard to get a foothold in the game. He could punish you from anywhere.”
? Martin Johnson – “He had a presence”
Position: Lock
Country: England
Caps: 83
Country: England
Caps: 83
A natural-born leader. Johnson captained the Lions to glory in 1997 and lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2003. You didn’t just play against
“He was absolutely someone to be admired.”
? Jerry Collins – “He’d just destroy people”
Position: Flanker
Country: New Zealand
Caps: 48
Country: New Zealand
Caps: 48
No fluff here – O’Connell kept it short and brutal.
“He’d just destroy people!”
And honestly, that’s all that needed to be said about the late, great All Black enforcer.
? Bakkies Botha – The enforcer
Position: Lock
Country: South Africa
Caps: 85
Country: South Africa
Caps: 85
A walking wrecking ball, Botha helped power the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2007 and then dominated Europe with Toulon, winning three Champions Cups.
