The Gala man made an immediate impact at the Scotstoun club, leading the side into the Play-Offs in his first season (2012/13) before reaching the PRO12 Final in 2014, ultimately losing to Leinster.

In 2015, however, Townsend led Glasgow to title success, defeating Munster 31-13 to lift the Guinness PRO12 trophy, before enjoying another first in his final year, when the club reached the knockout rounds of the European Champions Cup for the first time.

Townsend was named Guinness PRO12 Coach of the Year twice during his time in the west of the Scotland, a club he joined from his position as Assistant Coach to the Andy Robinson with the national team (2009-2012).

Capped 82 times for his country and twice capped by the British Lions, Townsend played for his home town side, Gala RFC, before joining Northampton Saints and then French club, Brive.

In 2000 he joined the Top14 side Castres Olympique before returning home to play for the Borders professional outfit.

He has also represented Natal Sharks in the Super 12 and returned again to France for season 2004/5 with Montpellier.

He rejoined the Borders as player/coach for the 2005/6 season.