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Harlequins statement: Lengthy new contract signed by Marcus Smith

Marcus Smith on England duty last month (Photo by Julian Finney/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

Marcus Smith has ended speculation about his future by signing a lengthy contract extension that will keep him at Harlequins. The back-in-favour England out-half had been touted for a move elsewhere in the Gallagher Premiership or to the French Top 14, but has now agreed a new three-year deal at The Stoop.

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A statement read: “Marcus Smith has put pen to paper on a new long-term deal to stay at Harlequins until at least 2028. The 25-year-old Quins and England fly-half will continue to entertain The Stoop faithful for seasons to come after committing his future to his boyhood club, where he has developed into a leading global player.

“Smith is renowned for possessing an understanding of the game and leadership skills beyond his years that allow him to marshal his team on the pitch, whilst providing moments of magic with ball in hand that make him one of game’s most potent attacking threats.

“Smith was the second youngest player in Gallagher Premiership history to make their debut when he started against London Irish in September 2017, aged just 18 years and 200 days old. To date, the fly-half has accumulated 166 appearances in the Quarters and racked up a staggering 1,505 points, including 35 tries.

“On the international stage, Smith has earned 39 caps and scored 284 points with the red rose adorned on his chest. In 2021, he was also called-up to the British and Irish Lions’ tour of South Africa.”

Smith said: “I’m super excited to sign a new deal with Harlequins. I love the club; it’s given me and my family a lot over the years and I’m looking forward to the future here. Every time I come in to the training ground, I’m excited about the future of the club because I can see the level of talent we have in the building.

“We have always prided ourselves on our homegrown talent, and I think everyone is going to see more of that in seasons to come. Every time I play at The Stoop, I feel the love from the fans and their support for not only myself, but the team – they provide the best support this league has to offer. Personally, and collectively, we are all so grateful for them.

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“I’ve come through the academy and still play with a lot of my best mates. Hopefully we can achieve more of our dreams together.”

Head coach Danny Wilson added: “Marcus is a world-class operator at fly-half. He has individual moments of brilliance and flair that can win rugby matches as well as the ability to manage games, which has seen him develop into an elite international fly-half.

“Marcus works hard day-in, day-out and demonstrates a great level of dedication to the detail of the game, which is a core reason for his growth and development so far in his career.

“He is a product of our academy system and a fantastic example to young aspiring players throughout our pathway, and wider rugby community of what hard work and talent can produce. Marcus’ commitment to Harlequins until 2028 is testament to his relationship with the club and vice-versa. We’re all delighted he will be playing in the Quarters for years to come.”

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Nickers 2 hours ago
It's time for the All Blacks to break up Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane

No chance Ardie was the best player in 2024. Sititi or Lomax, with Vaai and Ofa "most improved". Ardie was good, but not as good as 2023, he looked decidedly undercooked coming back from Japan and wasn't anywhere near his best for the England, and didn't hit his straps until the NH tour.


Jordan should definitely be back on the wing. His decision making was terrible, he lost the ball so many times in contact trying to push a crazy pass, 4 or 5 times in one game, that insane quick throw in hospital pass, numerous other moments where he took the worst option available. Just as much promising ball died with him as it did with Ioane. I don't know if he was "overplaying" trying to make a case for being the second playmaker but he is definitely not that.


Jordie needs to be used properly. He is not a battering ram, or a DDA style 4th loose forward. He is a genuine playmaker who can come into first receiver and have DMac/BB playing off him very comfortably as he been able to do seamlessly at Leinster with only 10 days prep, with the addition of being a strong ball carrier. He was used in this role successfully by Schmidt and it gave the backline a lot more variation and adaptability. At the moment they look like Warren Gatland is the attack coach which is embarrassing when you look at the riches available. Leinster have already made better use of JB in one half than Razor and co did all year.


Reiko has not been able to gel with anyone on attack despite playing alongside Barrett, DMac, JB, Jordan etc.. for years. It is not going to happen and he needs to be jettisoned. A 5 on 2 overlap to win the game went begging against France when BB and Reiko were unable to coordinate simple running lines between them. BB very clearly wanted to take the ball to the line and put Reiko through a big gap, but Reiko was hanging back on a holding thinking the ball was going to ALB (which was probably the better play) and in the end ALB decides to run into the gap and BB, Reiko, and ALB ended up within a few feet of each other, almost stationary, with the ball being knocked on by Reiko after a terrible pass from Barrett that was designed for Ioane steaming through the gap rather than standing beside him. The French defence made such a bad read that had Reiko caught the ball, even while stationary, we probably still would have scored. It's the kind of thing a social team that doesn't train would have run in easily, yet B.Barrett and Reiko with 200+ tests between them, probably having played 70+ together were clueless about. Reiko's defence is excellent, but he has become such a drag on attack that he is definitely a net negative.

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