Smith has unfinished business at Quins

By BEN JAYCOCK

Marcus Smith wants to repeat Harlequins 2021 Premiership triumph next season insisting he has unfinished business at the club.

The England star rejected offers from abroad to sign a contract extension with the south west London side last week that will see him stay at The Stoop beyond the end of the 2023/24 season.

He said: “I'm very excited to extend my time at Quins. It's a club I love dearly and a club I've been at since I was 14. To be able to extend my time here is special.”

The exact length of the contract, nor salary, has been disclosed, but retaining Smith is a big boost for the Premiership, as Harlequins fended off interest from Top 14 side Racing 92 to retain the 24-year-old after the end of his previous contract.

After an underwhelming sixth place finish last term, Smith, below, is desperate to guide Quins back to the top of English rugby.

He said: “I feel there's unfinished business. We won the league a couple years ago but I'd like to do that again with this group. I see a lot of potential in the young players in our squad as well as a massive amount of experience from our experienced players that are stalwarts for this club.

“With me now being in the middle age group, it gives me a lot more responsibility in my role and I just want to win trophies and as much as I can with this club.

“When the fans get behind us and there are a lot of downas a competition and we start winning and get on a roll, it's a pretty special place to be and that's what I want to be a part of.”

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

Coaching changes have resulted in former Glasgow Warriors boss Danny Wilson appointed as coaching coordinator and lineout and contact coach, Billy Millard coming in as director of rugby with Tabai Matson moved to a performance development role, while Nick Evans remains as attack coach.

Smith said: “I've heard great things about Danny, so hopefully we can build a great relationship and we can sing off the same hymn sheet to work together in order to achieve success here.”

Smith's re-signing follows the acquisitions of London Irish trio Chandler Cunningham-South, Lovejoy Chawatama and Will Joseph, with the latter looking set to shine in Harlequins' dynamic backline.

“I don't know Chandler (Cunningham-South) and Lovejoy (Chawatama) too well. I've seen Lovejoy out and about a few times but Will Joseph is an extreme talent, he's really quick, got good hands and an eye for a gap as well and is very keen to learn,” said Smith.

“So, to be able to work with him and throw him the ball and know he's going to make some magic out of it is really helpful for me as a fly-half. To grounds the last couple be able to play with guys like him, Cadan (Murley), Dommers (Alex Dombrandt), Danny Care, Joe Marler, guys who I've grown up playing with is going to be an absolute pleasure and I look forward to the next time I get to run out here.”

Much of the speculation surrounding Smith's contract negotiations has been focussed on his England future.

Smith has made 21 England appearances, but has struggled to get a consistent position in the team since he made his debut in June 2021 against the USA and appears to have fallen behind Owen Farrell and George Ford in the pecking order.

Nevertheless Smith is currently in Steve Borthwick's World Cup training camp, and will be hopeful of establishing himself in the 10 jersey beyond the end of the competition.