England and Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith has teased a bold twist for his international future\u2014hinting he could one day swap the Red Rose for the Philippines, where he was born.<\/p>\n
Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel <\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\n The 26-year-old playmaker, capped 44 times by England, opened up during an \u201cAsk Me Anything\u201d with England Rugby, admitting that while his heart is fully with England for now, he dreams of one day backing\u2014and maybe even representing\u2014the Philippines on the rugby field.<\/p>\n \u201cOne day I\u2019d love to help and be involved in Philippine rugby\u2014my brother currently plays for the Philippines,\u201d said Smith. \u201cRight now, my heart and mind are fully with England. It\u2019s a dream to wear this kit. <\/p>\n \u201cBut one day that might be different\u2026 if the chance comes and my body holds up, it would be amazing to play alongside my younger brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n Born in Manila to a Filipino mother and British father, Smith moved to the UK at eight, where his rugby journey kicked off. <\/p>\n He\u2019s gone on to shine at Harlequins, guide them to a historic Premiership title in 2021, and earn a late call-up to the British & Irish Lions. His dazzling footwork, precision kicking, and creative spark have made him a key figure under Steve Borthwick\u2019s England.<\/p>\n This weekend, Smith is starting at fullback for England against Fiji, showing he remains central to the Red Rose\u2019s plans.<\/p>\n World Rugby rules allow a player to switch nations after a three-year international stand-down, meaning Smith could one day return to his roots once his England career winds down.<\/p>\n With his younger brother already donning the Philippines jersey, could we see Marcus bringing his magic to Manila?<\/p>\n Watch this space.<\/p>\n MARCUS SMITH QUIRKY FACTS:<\/p>\n He\u2019s a bit of a musician \ud83c\udfb8 Uses \u201carmy\u201d breathing to calm his kicking nerves \ud83d\ude24\u27a1\ufe0f\ud83d\ude0c He\u2019s surprisingly competitive even off the pitch \ud83c\udfc6 EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n Other players who can swap nations: <\/p>\n Manu Tuilagi \u2013 England to Samoa Benhard Janse van Rensburg \u2013 South Africa to England David Ribbans \u2013 England to South Africa CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
Marcus likes to unwind by\u00a0playing the guitar\u00a0and often listens to music \u2014 especially vinyl \u2014 as a way to \u201cswitch off\u201d from the rugby bubble and recharge his mind away from the sport.<\/p>\n
When he\u2019s on the goal\u2011kicking tee, Smith employs a deliberate breathing technique (inspired by military practice) to\u00a0stay calm, control his emotions, and improve his accuracy\u00a0under pressure.<\/p>\n
Growing up with two younger brothers, Marcus says\u00a0his intense competitive streak\u00a0was shaped at home \u2014 his dad\u00a0never let them win easily, which he credits for giving him the fire and determination that define his playing style.<\/p>\n
The 34-year-old has won 60 England caps but would only be eligible for Samoa at the next World Cup. Tuilagi has admitted a switch would depend on whether he can still compete at the highest level.<\/p>\n
The Bristol Bears centre played for South Africa U20s but has never featured at senior level. After cutting ties with the Springboks, he could qualify for England via residency, subject to World Rugby approval.<\/p>\n
The lock last played for England at the 2023 World Cup and will be eligible to switch next year. However, Ribbans has played down the idea, insisting his desire remains to represent England again.<\/p>\n