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Harlequins statement: Marcus Smith contract extension
By Liam Heagney
Speculation linking Marcus Smith with a possible move to the Top 14 after the end of the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership season has been quashed by the confirmation from Harlequins that the No10 has signed an extension to stay on at the London club. No exact length of contract was specified in the club’s media release regarding the new deal, however.
A statement read: “Harlequins are pleased to confirm England and British and Irish Lions fly-half Marcus Smith has signed a contract extension with the club. The Harlequins academy product has agreed to a contract extension which will see the 24-year-old remain in Quins’ colours beyond the 2023/24 season.
“Smith has achieved 140 Quins appearances and 1,287 points since his senior debut in 2017/18. His prolific career to date has featured numerous accolades, including a starring role in the famous 2020/21 title-winning season. Smith finished as the Premiership’s top point-scorer with 278 points, helping Quins clinch the Gallagher Premiership final with a 40-38 win over Exeter Chiefs.
“The Brighton College product, who grew up in Singapore before moving to the UK at the age of 13, enjoyed early age-grade honours with England U17, U18 and U20 before earning his England debut against the USA in 2021. A week later he was called up to the British and Irish Lions squad and kicked all seven conversions in the tour match against the DHL Stormers.
“Smith has since achieved 21 caps for England, scoring 152 points. Following another impressive 2022/23 season for Quins, which saw the fly-half reach 1,000 Premiership points, Smith has been selected in Steve Borthwick’s Rugby World Cup training squad.”
Smith said: “I love the club. It has 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.”
Director of Rugby Billy Millard added: “We are delighted Marcus has extended his contract. He is a key member of our squad who displays outstanding commitment to his training and game development. We are looking forward to the impact Marcus will have in Quins colours next season and beyond.”
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Latest Comments
Paddy T is playing the best footy of his career off the bench, and he’s a leader.
Straight swap: Paddy in for Scott, Scott to the bench.
But I’m loving Tuipolotu as an impact sub.
Go to commentsWhats that team then? Are Clarke or Tele'a likely to come back? Proctor didn't return to the squad did he?
I'd like see the young fullbacks play fullback, and so Jordan cover on the wing instead. Even seeing Reiks on the other wing would be cool, Reece can go back on the bench if theres even room for him there.
So preferably it would be ALB and second five where he came of the bench in the weekend and was great. He's a bit slow on the play for outside center but looks like he might need to play there if we need wingers.
Cane really sounds like he'll bit fit, is he going to want to play? I'd really like to see Kirifi earn a cap if Lakai was the only 7 (Ardie has to be all used up/finished for the year). Which young lock are we going to see come in?
No team lists here, that's kid games...
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