England’s fly-half Marcus Smith revealed a unique tradition he upholds each time he plays for Steve Borthwick’s squad.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
With a Filipino mother and a British father, Smith proudly wears the flag of his birthplace, the Philippines, every time he takes the field. This gesture honors his heritage and the cultural roots that have shaped his identity.
Having spent the formative eight years of his life in the Philippines, Smith’s commitment to his heritage shines through in this symbolic gesture on the rugby pitch.
Speaking on the recent Six Nations Netflix documentary, Smith said: “I wear my lucky pants, which have got a half English flag and a half Filipino flag.
“I make sure I wear them so I remember where I’ve come from and who I’m playing for.”
Smith has previously has expressed his aspiration to become involved in Philippine rugby once his current Test career with England concludes.
According to the current World Rugby eligibility rules, Smith could potentially represent the Philippines after a three-year stand-down period.
During an Ask Me Anything session with England, Smith was questioned about his interest in representing the Philippines.
“One day I’d love to help and be involved in Philippine rugby, my brother currently plays for the Philippines,” the 30-cap England international said.
“Obviously my heart and my mind are fully with England at the minute, it’s a dream of mine to be wearing this kit right now.
“One day that might be different, or when I retire from here, if I get that opportunity, if my body still holds up, it would be lovely to play with both of my younger brothers.”
The 33-man England Squad Steve Borthwick Should Select For Summer Tour
It’s been a decade since England’s last visit to New Zealand, a challenging 2014 series under Stuart Lancaster resulting in a 3-0 defeat.
The memories of the 2008 tour aren’t any sweeter, with England tasting defeat in both Tests against the All Blacks. However, a glimmer of triumph emerged in 2003, as they secured a thrilling 15-13 victory over New Zealand just before the Rugby World Cup.
In this highly anticipated tour, Borthwick’s squad will face a formidable challenge with only two tests against the All Blacks, following a clash with Japan in Tokyo.
Here is the list of our predicted squad organised by their current clubs:
RUCK’s England squad for the summer:
Harlequins
- Joe Marler
- Fin Baxter
- Chandler Cunningham-South
- Marcus Smith
Bristol Bears
- Ellis Genge
- Harry Randall
- Gabriel Ibitoye
Saracens
- Jamie George
- Theo Dan
- Maro Itoje
- Ben Earl
- Elliot Daly