Steve Borthwick’s latest selection showcases the most culturally varied England squad heading into a World Cup, incorporating six players hailing from six distinct nations across four continents.
ENGLAND PLAYERS FROM OVERSEAS:
Marcus Smith (Philippines)
He comes from a diverse background, with his mother being Filipino and his father English. As the eldest of three brothers, their family spent seven years in the Philippines before relocating to Singapore. Eventually, they settled in Brighton, England, when Smith was 13 years old. A testament to his roots, he proudly displays a tattoo on his left arm representing his country of birth.
At the age of 14, he underwent a trial with Harlequins, and upon completing his education at 18, he joined the club on a full-time basis. He swiftly found himself in the limelight as he was brought into the Harlequins’ first team due to a series of injuries. His debut in the Gallagher Premiership occurred against London Irish at Twickenham in September 2017. Throughout the 2017-18 season, he impressively initiated 18 league matches.
Although he was just a young child when England claimed victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, he still recalls watching the momentous event alongside his father. Among his role models, he counts Jonny Wilkinson, the iconic figure of that triumph, as one of his heroes.
In his journey to becoming a professional rugby player, he has had the privilege of engaging in kicking sessions with none other than Jonny Wilkinson himself.
