Fly-half Smith staying grounded

England fly-half Marcus Smith has the perfect combination to help him remain humble amid his emergence as a rugby union star – prayer and the Bible.

The 26-year-old has hit the ground running after his England debut in 2021, clocking up more than 30 caps and close to 300 points.

That sort of stellar rise has brought with it a rising reputation, and a warning from former England coach Eddie Jones against believing his own publicity.

There’s little danger of that, with the Harlequins player using the spiritual roots from his family, and especially his mum, to rely on his faith rather than his sporting talent.

Philippines-born Smith qualifies to play for England through his British father and by moving to the UK aged 13. His South East Asia background remains pivotal, though, with mum Suzanne’s faith central to his views today.

“I still pray with her regularly,” he told The Telegraph. “I continue to read my Bible. It makes me feel grounded, makes me believe that everything’s going to be all right.”

He’s honest enough to admit that his Christian walk hasn’t always been a straight one. 

“I probably went away from it between the ages of 14 and 19 – there were other things I was interested in. 

“But when I was 21, I was struggling for form a bit, trying to get in the England mix. So my mum suggested bringing it back. Now I take Holy Communion. I pray every night and every morning. I haven’t stopped. It gives me peace.”

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