Viv Farnsworth was born at Newtown, NSW. He played rugby union with the Marrickville and Newtown clubs before being selected for the Australian Wallabies in 1909.
Viv was first introduced to rugby league when he played for the Wallabies against the Kangaroos in 1909. Viv converted to rugby league in 1910 when he joined the Newtown Rugby League Club.