Smith Signs New Quins contract

Marcus Smith has signed a new contract extension with Harlequins that will see him stay at The Stoop beyond the end of the 2023/24 season.

The exact length of the contract, nor salary, has yet to be disclosed, but retaining Smith will be considered a key achievement for Harlequins, who fended off interest from Racing 92 to pick up the 24-year-old at the end of his previous contract.

The Filipino-born fly-half, who played a vital role in Harlequins’ 2021 Premiership title win, has scored 1,287 points for the club in his 140-match career to date.

Much of the speculation surrounding his contract negotiations has been focussed on his England future. Smith has made 21 England appearances, but struggled to get a consistent position in the team since he made his debut in June 2021 against the USA.

But he was named in Steve Borthwick’s squad for this year’s Rugby World Cup, and will be hopeful of establishing himself in the number ten role beyond the end of the competition as Borthwick considers refreshing his squad for the next World Cup cycle.

Smith said: “I love the club, it’s been my home since the age of 14 and I want to repay the faith shown in me and help Quins win trophies. We have unfinished business, we want to challenge for titles and create more memories for our supporters.

“The club has always been a very special place for me and my family. Working my way through the Academy and into the senior squad has been a great experience and I have loved every minute of it. I can’t wait to pull on the Quarters next season and run out at The Stoop.”