Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel <\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\nHowever, according to RUCK sources, Smith has opted to remain loyal to Harlequins and will stay with the club until at least the end of his current contract, which expires in 2028.<\/p>\n
The fly-half has already made his feelings about the club clear after signing his most recent deal, reaffirming his long-term commitment to Quins.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m super excited to sign a new deal with Harlequins,\u201d said Smith. \u201cI love the Club; it\u2019s given me and my family a lot over the years and I\u2019m looking forward to the future here.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery time I come in to the training ground, I\u2019m excited about the future of the Club because I can see the level of talent we have in the building. We\u2019ve always prided ourselves on our homegrown talent, and I think everyone is going to see more of that in seasons to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery time I play at The Stoop, I feel the love from the fans and their support for not only myself, but the team \u2013 I think they provide the best support this league has to offer. Personally, and collectively, we are all so grateful for them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve come through the Academy and still play with a lot of my best mates \u2013 hopefully we can achieve more of our dreams together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smith\u2019s decision provides a significant boost for Harlequins as they look to build for the future around one of England\u2019s brightest talents, despite continued interest from both domestic and overseas clubs.<\/p>\n
ENGLAND STARS WHO CAN SWAP NATIONS:<\/p>\n
Jack Willis<\/p>\n
The flanker has been one of England\u2019s standout back-row players, renowned for his relentless work at the breakdown and ball-carrying power. He last played for England in the\u00a02023 Rugby World Cup, and due to England\u2019s rules restricting overseas-based players, he has not been selected since moving to France.<\/p>\n
Willis qualifies to represent\u00a0Ireland through his grandparents, but under World Rugby\u2019s rules, he must complete a\u00a0three-year stand-down period from his last England Test. <\/p>\n
That period is expected to conclude in\u00a0late 2026, making him eligible to switch allegiances in time for the 2027 World Cup. Should he make the move, Willis would become one of the most high-profile English rugby defections in history, bringing his dynamic back-row skills to the Irish squad.<\/p>\n
Mako Vunipola<\/p>\n
Mako is long established as an England prop, but with Tongan heritage via his parents and no England appearances since the 2023 World Cup, he\u00a0could\u00a0be eligible to represent\u00a0Tonga\u00a0under World Rugby\u2019s eligibility rules (three\u2011year stand\u2011down + heritage) should he choose to pursue that route.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dan Kelly<\/p>\n
A talented\u00a0centre\u00a0currently playing in\u00a0Ireland, Kelly has one senior England cap but has since appeared for\u00a0Ireland A, aligning him with Ireland under current eligibility pathways. <\/p>\n
England\u2019s restrictions on overseas\u2011based players limited his opportunities with the Red Rose, but a full switch to Ireland gives him the chance for consistent Test rugby and a starting role at the 2027 World Cup.<\/p>\n
Billy Vunipola<\/p>\n
Billy also qualifies for\u00a0Tonga\u00a0through family heritage. Despite a long England career, he hasn\u2019t featured since playing in 2024 under the overseas\u2011based restrictions. Tonga has shown interest in bringing the powerful number 8 into their squad for 2027, and given the eligibility framework, he\u00a0could\u00a0make such a switch.<\/p>\n
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/p>\n
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