Fans are only just realising that England star fly-half Marcus Smith’s Dad is a former international rugby players.
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It’s well known that the like of Billy Vunipola and Owen Farrell’s father’s played test Rugby before them.
Born in Manila, Smith spent the first 12 years of his life in Asia and, while he was never based in Hong Kong, his father Jeremy represented the territory while living here before the birth of his first son.
Smith Snr lived in Hong Kong from 1992-97, playing for Valley and the national side, before moving to Manila and then Singapore, saying his son’s years in Asia and the fact his mother, Suzanne, is a Filipina have helped him both on and off the field.
“He is incredibly determined and confident but he is also very humble. The Asian culture is a very respectful one,” Jeremy said.
“They have great respect for their families and their elders and Marcus has that in him. I think that has helped off the field as he has grown up. He’s got loads of confidence but no arrogance and he is very grounded. He is just a respectful young man.
“He grew up with the Sevens, watching players like Jonah Lomu, Waisale Serevi, Christian Cullen and David Campese. He watched seven or eight Hong Kong Sevens during his time in Asia,” Jeremy said, also reminiscing on his own time in Hong Kong: “It was brilliant, Hong Kong is still my favourite place.”
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