Marcus Smith Ready to Lead Harlequins in New Era Following Key Departures

Harlequins and England fly-half Marcus Smith has set a bold challenge for himself as he prepares to take on a more prominent leadership role in the upcoming season. Following the departure of key players, Smith, 25, acknowledges the increased responsibility on his shoulders and is determined to guide and inspire his team to success.

Speaking to BBC 5 Live’s Rugby Union Weekly, Smith highlighted the impact of losing long-serving stalwarts like prop Will Collier, who has moved to Castres, and powerhouse centre Andre Esterhuizen, now with the Sharks in South Africa. Their exits mark a turning point for Harlequins, and Smith knows it’s time for him and other senior players to step up.

“This year it is going to be especially important to show my leadership,” Smith said. “There is going to be an added responsibility on us older players, and I want to bring that more to the table.”

With 35 England caps to his name, Smith’s influence on and off the field is growing. The fly-half is also in contention for a second British and Irish Lions tour next summer, after being called up as a promising rookie during the 2021 trip to South Africa.

Reflecting on his recent experience with England in the southern hemisphere, Smith admitted that his missed kicks in the narrow 16-15 defeat to New Zealand in Dunedin were a personal low point. “I struggled after the first Test in New Zealand. I think it knocked me back a bit. That is my job as a kicker – to put the points over for the lads – and I didn’t do my job to the levels I wanted to.” However, he bounced back with an improved performance in the second Test, learning valuable lessons about resilience in high-pressure environments.

“They were shouting and booing, and it was a new experience for me,” Smith recalled. “Hopefully it will put me in a better position if I get another opportunity to tour there again.”

Harlequins, who finished sixth for a second consecutive season in the Gallagher Premiership, conceded an average of nearly 29 points per game. To address their defensive struggles, the club has brought in Australian defence coach Jason Gilmore, a move Smith believes will be pivotal. “The level of detail has been a level up from any defence coach I have had at Quins. If we can improve that 10-15%, I think we will be there or thereabouts,” he said.

With a sharpened mental edge and renewed focus on leadership, Marcus Smith is ready to take on the challenge of leading Harlequins into a new era. His ambition to improve both himself and his team sets the stage for an exciting season ahead.