According to The Rugby Paper, Harlequins’ playmaker Marcus Smith has recently been seen at the Racing 92 training ground, where Stuart Lancaster is reportedly attempting to sign him either this summer or the next.
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Racing 92 has been closely monitoring Smith’s progress with the Blues for some time now and is eager to secure him as a long-term replacement for Finn Russell, who will be joining Bath.
However, it seems that the contract offer on the table may not be as lucrative as initially rumored for Smith.
The report suggests that he has been offered around €500,000 (£425,000) per season, along with additional benefits. During his visit to Racing’s state-of-the-art training facility in Plessis Robinson, he was given a tour.
Currently, Smith earns approximately £400,000 per season with Quins, but he also receives £25,000 every time he represents England, which he would forfeit if he were to move to France.
Whether a fee is required to buy Smith out of his current Quins contract, which reportedly expires in 2024,, it has become evident that the French heavyweights have reached an “agreement in principle” with the player.
Moreover, this move could potentially diminish his chances of being selected for the 2025 Lions tour to Australia, making Racing’s initial offer less appealing unless there is a significant increase.
As Smith currently sits third in the England No. 10 hierarchy behind Owen Farrell and George Ford, he may ultimately decide that it is better to remain with Quins, especially as his competitors for the coveted number 10 jersey approach their mid-30s.
Danny Care and Joe Marler retained in England squad
Steve Borthwick has selected a 36-player squad for England’s third Rugby World Cup training camp, which once again includes Danny Care and Joe Marler..
The squad does not include players from Premiership finalists Sale Sharks and Saracens.
“I’m pleased with the progress that’s been made over the last two weeks and we look forward to another productive training camp at the Lensbury,” said Borthwick.
“There’s still a long way to go until we are ready for a World Cup, but each day we take another step forward.”
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TRAINING SQUAD
Forwards
Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons)
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
Tom Dunn (Bath Rugby)
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers)
Ted Hill (Bath Rugby)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints)
Joe Marler (Harlequins)
George Martin (Leicester Tigers)
Zach Mercer (Montpellier Hérault Rugby)
Tom Pearson (London Irish)
Val Rapava-Ruskin (Gloucester Rugby)
David Ribbans (Northampton Saints)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby)