Glen Townson joins Exeter Chiefs coaching team

Exeter Chiefs have confirmed the appointment of Glen Townson as the club’s new men’s assistant forwards coach, strengthening the coaching group ahead of the remainder of the Gallagher PREM season.

Townson joins the Chiefs from Bristol Bears, where he had been working as academy transition coach since September 2022.

The former lock forward takes up the role at Sandy Park with immediate effect, becoming part of a refreshed coaching structure under director of rugby Rob Baxter.

A highly experienced former player, Townson featured for Bristol during his playing career before retiring in 2018. He also represented Doncaster Knights, Newcastle and Ealing Trailfinders.

Following retirement, he moved into coaching with Ealing, working as forwards and defence coach before progressing into elite development roles.

Speaking after his appointment, Townson said the opportunity to coach in the Premiership with a club of Exeter’s stature was one he could not turn down. He added that he was eager to contribute to a coaching group that has overseen a positive start to the season.

“It has been a real ambition of mine to be a Gallagher PREM coach, and to get the chance to do it at the Chiefs, one of the most successful clubs in the last decade, a club with rich history, was an opportunity I had to take.

“I’m hoping to add experience to a strong coaching group and build on the good start to the season.”