Marcus Sebastian Smith, born on 14 February 1999, is an English professional rugby union player renowned for his role as a fly-half for Harlequins in the Gallagher Premiership. He has also represented England at the international level, making his test debut against the United States in 2021.
Born in the Philippines to a British father and a Filipina mother, Smith's rugby journey began at the age of seven when his family relocated to Singapore. It was there that he started playing rugby union for Centaurs RFC. At the age of thirteen, Smith moved to the United Kingdom and received a sports scholarship to attend Brighton College. During his time there, he captained the school's 1st XV and led them to an undefeated season. He was also named the Player of the Tournament at the 2016 St Joseph's Rugby Festival.
Smith's involvement with Harlequins began in 2016 when he represented the club at the Premiership Rugby Sevens Series. As part of the Harlequin Elite Player Development Group (EPDG), he played for the Harlequin U18s Academy side during the 2016-17 season. Smith contributed significantly to the team's success, scoring tries against London Irish and Saracens, and playing a crucial role in their victory over Sale Sharks U18s in the Academy Final.
In March 2017, Smith's talent and potential were recognized as he was promoted from the EPDG to the full-time Academy, starting in June. He continued to impress and was named in the senior squad for the 2017 Singha Premiership Rugby Sevens, where he scored two tries against London Irish.
Smith made his professional debut for Harlequins on 2 September 2017, wearing the number 10 jersey in a Premiership Rugby London Double Header fixture against London Irish at Twickenham Stadium. Just two weeks later, he delivered a standout performance against Wasps, earning the Man-of-the-Match accolade and helping end Wasps' 20-match winning streak at Ricoh Arena.
One of Smith's most notable achievements with Harlequins came in the Premiership final against Exeter Chiefs on 26 June 2021. Starting as fly-half, he played a pivotal role in Harlequins' historic 40-38 victory, which became the highest-scoring Premiership final ever. Smith contributed four conversions through his accurate kicking.
In addition to his club career, Smith has also made significant strides at the international level. He started representing England in various youth squads, scoring a try in an under-16s match against Wales in April 2015. He continued to excel, featuring for the England U20 team in the 2017 Six Nations Under 20s Championship and scoring a try for the England U18 team against Ireland.
Smith's talent did not go unnoticed, and he earned the opportunity to train with the senior England squad in May 2017. He was named in Eddie Jones' pre-season senior England training squad in August, showcasing the faith the coaching staff had in his abilities. Smith went on to earn his first non-capped England debut against the Barbarians in June 2019, impressing with a remarkable performance that included 26 points.
On 4 July 2021, Smith made his full England test debut against the United States, contributing 13 points, including a try, in a 43-29 victory. He earned his second start against Canada six days later, showcasing his faultless kicking display in a convincing 70-14 win for England.
Smith's remarkable skills and performances also caught the attention of the British and Irish Lions, as he was called up to the squad as injury cover for Finn Russell in July 2021. He made his British and Irish Lions debut on 17 July, playing as fly-half and converting all seven tries in a dominant 49-3 win against the Stormers.
Throughout his career, Smith has demonstrated exceptional playmaking abilities, solid kicking accuracy, and a natural understanding of the game. Despite his young age, he has achieved remarkable success both at the club and international levels, establishing himself as a rising star in rugby union.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023,Smith has been named in the squad for England.
KG(23/06/2023)
Career
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Harlequins Fly Half |
2017 - present |
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England Fly Half |
2017 - present |
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British & Irish Lions Fly Half |
2021 - present |
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England U20's Fly Half |
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England A Fly Half |
2019 - 2024 |
