Racing 92 is making a serious effort to entice Marcus Smith to leave his current club in southwest London and join them in the French capital once his contract expires at the end of the upcoming season.
The Rugby Paper reports that they are prepared to offer the English playmaker one of the most lucrative contracts in the world.
Currently earning approximately £450,000 per season as a player for Harlequins in the Premiership, Smith could become one of the highest-paid players globally if he makes the move.
While the salary cap in English rugby stands at £5 million, there are discussions about increasing it to £6.4 million for the 2024-2025 season.
However, there is significant division among clubs regarding this proposed change due to the financial challenges faced by some clubs.
It is worth noting that Smith has previously expressed his eagerness to play overseas at some stage in his career.
“I’m still early in my career. I want to experience different cultures, I want to play in different leagues,” said Smith.
“But I’ll do that when the time’s right, for me, for my family, for my girlfriend and in my development as a rugby player and as a person as well.
“If you look across to the Top 14 [in France], you see the dominance they have in Europe. For me that’s mainly down to the salary cap. If they’ve got more resources and finances to build their squads then they’re probably going to be in a better position to win those tournaments.
“I’ve never personally been further than the round of 16. When I was younger I wrote in my book that I want to win the Heineken Cup. To do that here in England is extremely tough and that’s a big draw.”
Who is rugby player Marcus Smith dating?
The England and Harlequins fly-half has been dating the professional model Beth Dolling for over two years.
On Instagram, where she has amassed over 34,000 followers, Beth gives her fans a glimpse of her glitzy shoots and the behind the scenes life of England’s new superstar.
She also enjoys singing and has her own Instagram page packed with videos of her showing off her vocal talent. When will we hear rugby anthem Swing Low, Sweet Chariot?
In her most recent photoshoot, Dolling modelled as a bride with plenty of her followers encouraging Smith to pop the question.
LIST OF ENGLAND WAG’S:
#1. Hollie Shearer – Girlfriend of Joe Marchant
The daughter of the all-time Premier League top goalscorer and England legend Alan, has confirmed she is dating Harlequins and England centre earlier this year.
The 25-year old singer has shared numerous shots with the popular speedster, who has represented his country four times.
Photos shared across social media suggest Hollie’s relationship with the 26-year-old is still in its early stages.