England's most exciting prospect reveals future plans
NEWS: Harlequins announced that homegrown flyhalf Marcus Smith has signed a long-term contract extension with the Club
Smith, 21, is the latest player to commit his future with the Club, following the likes of Danny Care, Dino Lamb, James and Ross Chisholm and Aaron Morris in recent weeks.
Joining the Senior Harlequins Academy to train with the Club in 2017, Smith is on course to make his 100th appearance this season, having played his 95th game in the famous Quarters against Bath Rugby last weekend.
Against London Irish at the end of the 2019/20 season, Smith became the second-youngest player in history to reach 500 points in the Premiership at the age of 21, behind only Jonny Wilkinson. Smith currently leads the 2020/21 season as the league’s top point scorer.
A star at the age-grade level, Smith played for the England U18 and U20 sides before going on to feature in an uncapped England XV fixture against the Barbarians in 2019. The halfback claimed an impressive 26 points for the day alongside fellow Harlequin Alex Dombrandt as the England side scored over 50 points under Smith’s direction.
Commenting, General Manager Billy Millard said: “We’re thrilled to have Marcus recommit to the Club once more. At a young age, Marcus has become one of the key figures within our squad.
“To have the impact and cool-headed approach Marcus does as a 21-year-old fly-half in the Premiership is hugely impressive. We’re really looking forward to seeing him continue to learn and grow at the centre of our team.
“We are really excited by the squad we have assembled at the moment, and Marcus’ recommitment is a testament to the spine of homegrown talent we have within our team.”
Delighted to recommit, Smith said: “I’m thrilled to extend my time with Quins. I’ve been part of the Club’s academy section since I was 14 and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
“I wanted to extend my time here to continue to build with this fantastic Club and hopefully bring some silverware to The Stoop. The chance to make some great memories with some of the guys I’ve come through the age-grades with and a few of the older players here is something I’m looking forward to.
“We have a brilliant squad and hopefully we can keep improving and delivering in the way we have these past few weeks.”
