Harlequins have secured a significant boost by agreeing a new long-term deal with England fly-half Marcus Smith, ensuring his stay at the Stoop until 2028.
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According to The Telegraph, the agreement, a major coup for the club, extends Smith’s contract beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Interest from Bristol Bears and Other Clubs
According to the report, several clubs, including Bristol Bears, expressed interest in acquiring Smith. However, Harlequins have proactively restructured the 24-year-old’s contract to ward off interest and keep him at the club.
This decision is expected to delight England head coach Steve Borthwick, who sees Smith as a pivotal figure for the national team.
Departure of Esterhuizen Paves Way for Contract Renewal
Smith’s new deal follows the departure of South African centre Andre Esterhuizen, who joined the Sharks this summer. The release of Esterhuizen’s salary has allowed Harlequins to allocate resources to retain Smith. Smith now ranks as the Premiership’s third highest-paid player, behind Bath’s Finn Russell and Saracens’ Maro Itoje.
Smith’s Talks with Racing 92 and Owen Farrell’s Paris Move
Last year, Smith was reportedly in advanced discussions with Racing 92 about a potential move to the Top 14 in France. A move abroad would have made him ineligible for England selection, but the Parisians ultimately opted to sign former England captain Owen Farrell, following Farrell’s decision to step away from international rugby.
George Ford in Contract Negotiations at Sale Sharks
Meanwhile, Sale Sharks’ director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, remains confident that fly-half George Ford will extend his stay at the club. Ford’s current deal is set to expire soon, but negotiations are ongoing. Sanderson noted that there have been “positive tones” about extending Ford’s contract until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The Three Richest Couples in World Rugby
Rugby has produced some of the most iconic athletes in the sporting world, but for a select few, success on the pitch has also led to immense wealth off it.
From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.
Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.
Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m
Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.
Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.
Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.