Marcus Smith set to make major career switch

Marcus Smith could consider a move away from England after Steve Borthwick made it abundantly clear in the Nations Championship that he is no longer considered an option at fly-half.

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Over the past few years, Borthwick has made it increasingly clear that he does not view Smith as England’s long-term Test fly-half. Instead, the Harlequins playmaker has regularly been used at fullback and has rarely been trusted to wear the No. 10 shirt.

With Henry Slade back in the squad, England also appear to have another emergency fly-half option.

If Fin Smith were forced off during a match, Slade now looks the most likely player to step in at first receiver, as shown when he went off with a HIA against Argentina and Slade filled in.

However, the Nations Championship wins over Fiji and Argentina revealed another side to Marcus Smith’s game.

In both matches, injuries elsewhere forced him to play portions of the game at scrum-half, a position he handled with surprising confidence. His display against Fiji, in particular, stood out during England’s 73-8 victory.

Smith no longer being England’s first choice fly-half could eventually encourage him to consider a move to France, even though doing so would make him ineligible for Test selection.

Given his versatility and quality, there would be no shortage of clubs interested in signing him. A move away from Harlequins could also provide the fresh challenge that many top players look for.

Quins have struggled for consistency in recent seasons. Smith remains the key figure at the club, but a player of his calibre could command a significant salary elsewhere and may want to compete for major honours.

They finished a disappointing ninth in the league last season, leaving them in the Challenge Cup. With Newcastle Red Bulls strengthening their squad, there is even a realistic chance that Harlequins could end up at the bottom of the table.

Red Bulls would be the only PREM Rugby side able to meet Smith’s wage demands without needing to free up space in the salary cap, and may be able to provide a new challenge for him.

However, RUCK sources revealed in April that Smith had chosen to remain loyal to Harlequins and intends to stay until at least the end of his current contract in 2028.

The fly-half made his feelings clear when he signed that deal, reaffirming his long-term commitment to the club.

Even so, the right offer could still tempt him away, particularly as it becomes increasingly clear that Steve Borthwick does not see him as England’s long-term option at fly-half.

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