Marcus Smith has committed his immediate future to English rugby by signing a new contract at Harlequins – now he will strive to avoid becoming a bit-part figure at the World Cup and beyond.
The 24-year-old Red Rose fly-half prodigy had been a target for wealthy Parisian club Racing 92 as well as a host of other French suitors, but he has opted to remain in the Premiership for at least another two years, before the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
It will aid his quest for a Lions call-up in 2025, but the more pressing priority is to fight for game-time with England.
In the latter stages of Eddie Jones’s regime, Smith was the chosen man at No 10, as the Australian head coach decided that he should build the national team’s back line around the precocious talent.
But since Steve Borthwick took charge at the end of last year, Smith’s status has changed from being the primary playmaker to becoming a sparingly-used under-study to captain Owen Farrell.
Marcus Smith has committed his future to English rugby by signing a new deal at Harlequins
The Saracens veteran re-asserted himself during a successful climax to the club season, with another Premiership title triumph at Twickenham.
Now, Farrell is once again working closely with his long-time friend and side-kick, George Ford – who surged back into contention at Sale after a long recovery from an Achilles injury.
With England gearing up for four World Cup warm-up fixtures next month – two against Wales, followed by a clash with Ireland in Dublin and a home Test against Fiji – Smith is in danger of being marginalised.
As it stands, the most likely selection scenarios involve Farrell at 10, with two specialist centres outside him and Ford as bench reserve, or Ford and Farrell resuming their familiar 10-12 alliance. In that event, England may not need a fly-half among the replacements.
Smith has shown he won’t shirk the challenge of re-asserting himself at international level, in keeping with his fiercely competitive spirit.
By agreeing to stay at Quins, rather than joining the cross-Channel exodus of English talent, he will remain eligible for Test selection, but now he has to prove to Borthwick that he deserved more than to languish in the frustrated fringe contingent.
What he can offer is a point-of-difference trump card, with his ability to tear defences apart using his pace, footwork and daring creative streak.
Even if England are likely to adopt a pragmatic approach during the World Cup in France, they need to retain an X-factor threat in the ranks if they are forced to chase a game.
The fly-half has a point to prove to England head coach Steve Borthwick ahead of World Cup
Smith has played a bit-part role behind Owen Farrell under England coach Steve Borthwick
If conditions are good and the Red Rose pack are on the front foot, Smith’s sorcery would be a real asset, but Borthwick will want to see evidence of improved control too.
There is little prospect of Farrell or Ford stepping aside to clear a path for the younger man any time soon.
Farrell is 31 and Ford is 30. Both are armed with supreme game-management prowess which comes with so many years at the pinnacle of their sport.
While Farrell has had ankle problems and Ford was out for several months last year, both men still appear to be physically and mentally equipped for national service. And the fires still burn in both of them, too.
So Smith may have to continue being patient for a while yet. The clamour for his inclusion has faded, for now.
But whatever the short-term outlook for his Test career, the decision to stick rather than twist is a boost for Quins and for the beleaguered Premiership.
Borthwick’s side are gearing up for next month’s World Cup warm-up fixtures with Wales, Fiji and Ireland
‘I love the club, it’s been my home since the age of 14 and I want to repay the faith shown in me and help Quins win trophies,’ he said in an official statement.
‘We have unfinished business, we want to challenge for titles and create more memories for our supporters.’
Billy Millard, Quins’ director of rugby, added: ‘We’re delighted Marcus has extended his contract. He is a key member of our squad who displays outstanding commitment to training and development. We’re looking forward to the impact Marcus will have next season and beyond.’
It would be no surprise to see Smith eventually appear in the colours of Racing or another of the rich, ambitious Gallic clubs. But for now, the shirt he covets is the one with the rose and his crusade to wear it will be fascinating to observe.
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