- The 25-year-old Smith is arguably the highest-profile player in the English game
- But rather than be tempted across the Channel, he will stay put until 2028
- Borthwick will now be able to focus on the build-up to the next World Cup
Marcus Smith has handed England and head coach Steve Borthwick – as well as Harlequins – a huge boost by signing a new deal to stay with his boyhood club.
Smith is arguably the highest-profile player in the English game. He has established himself as his country’s first-choice fly-half and is in a strong position to make what would be a second British and Irish Lions tour, next summer in Australia.
The 25-year-old has in the past attracted interest from French giants Racing 92. But he will now stay with Harlequins on a ‘long-term’ deal until at least 2028.
‘I’m super excited to sign a new deal with Harlequins,’ said Smith. ‘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 into the training ground, I’m excited about the future of the club because I can see the level of talent we have.’
Smith’s status as an enhanced elite playing squad member with England underlines how vital he is to Borthwick’s future plans.
His new contract means he will be a central figure not only for Harlequins for the next four years, but also for England in the build-up to the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Marcus Smith has inked a new deal to extend his spell at boyhood club Harlequins until 2028
