Townsend undergoes shoulder surgery

By Mark Stevens
17/10/21

Rob Baxter has confirmed Exeter Chiefs scrum-half Stuart Townsend is unlikely to play again before the New Year after this week undergoing surgery on his shoulder.

The 26-year-old picked up the injury during his side's recent Gallagher Premiership victory away to Sale Sharks.

Townsend, who has 79 times in all competitions for the club, is likely to be out for two to three months.

"Stu picked up the injury in his first game back, which is disappointing," said Baxter. "It's unfortunate for him, especially because of what he brings as player, but we're not going to have him playing for the next two to three months.

"That said, he's still very much involved in everything we do within the players group and that will continue."

On a more positive note, the Chiefs Director of Rugby was able to report that South African forwards Jannes Kirsten (ankle) and Jacques Vermeulen (hamstring) are both close to returning to action.

"Jannes' rehab is going well, so he could be back in the next week or two and Jacques is very similar," added Baxter. "He's in the end stages of his rehab programme and he's back in full training again. Now, we have to see how he responds to that, as well as his loading and his strength testing, and he won't be too long before he's back in the mix."