Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith to be named in England training squad as 18-year-old edges towards Test debut

  • Marcus Smith only completed his A levels at Brighton College in the summer 
  • However, his impressive displays for Harlequins have already caught the eye 
  • The 18-year-old has already trained with England and Eddie Jones is a clear fan
  • Jones will select the fly-half for a three-day, pre-autumn series camp

Harlequins' teen No 10 sensation Marcus Smith is poised to take another step towards his Test debut when he is included in England’s latest training squad.

Eddie Jones, England’s head coach, will select 18-year-old Smith — who has played just three senior matches for Quins — in the group which convenes in Oxford on Sunday for a three-day, pre-autumn series camp.

As revealed by Sportsmail, Jones first became aware of Smith’s talent while still in charge of Japan during the last World Cup.

Everybody is talking about Marcus Smith, the 18-year-old fly-half playing for Harlequins

Eddie Jones (right)  will select 18-year-old Smith  for a three-day, pre-autumn series camp

Eddie Jones (right) will select 18-year-old Smith for a three-day, pre-autumn series camp

George Ford is established as England’s first-choice fly-half, with Owen Farrell alongside at inside centre. If that alliance continues, there is scope for another playmaker in England’s matchday 23 and Smith could challenge Saracens’ Alex Lozowski for that potential opening.


He has already impressed for Quins, being named man of the match in last Sunday’s win over Wasps. It was Wasps’ first home league defeat since December 2015 and by the end of the match Smith was running the show in front of the watching Jones.

Bath wing Semesa Rokoduguni is likely to miss out again when the squad is announced this morning despite early-season form for his club. Many have clamoured for the Fiji-born flyer to be recalled but it is understood that Marland Yarde of Harlequins will get the nod.

Todd Blackadder, Bath director of rugby, has described some of Rokoduguni’s performances as ‘freakish’ but the perception has been that England’s coaches are concerned about his defensive work. 

Blackadder said: ‘It doesn’t mean he’s not a good player, if he doesn’t play for England. All he can do is keep the pressure on.’

Smith shows off his man-of-the-match medal after his performance against Wasps on Sunday

Smith shows off his man-of-the-match medal after his performance against Wasps on Sunday

Sportsmail understands that England’s management have doubts about Rokoduguni’s ability to adapt to the team framework at Test level.

Yarde has also been in fine form, scoring three tries in as many games to justify his inclusion.

The English Lions from the epic series draw in New Zealand — Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly and Anthony Watson — are expected to be left out to help ease their workload, although a final decision has not yet been made.

Some who have started the new season in terrific form are in danger of missing out on Friday’s squad. Exeter No 8 Sam Simmonds, the Premiership’s top try-scorer with four in three matches, is likely to be overlooked, as is Northampton centre Luther Burrell.

Smith gave a man-of-the-match performance as Quins ended Wasps unbeaten run at home

Smith gave a man-of-the-match performance as Quins ended Wasps unbeaten run at home

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