In an unexpected revelation, England's star fly-half Marcus Smith has shared a distinctive ritual he follows each time he takes to the field for Steve Borthwick's team.
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The 24-year-old, whose roots trace back to the Philippines with a Filipino mother and a British father, shared that he proudly sports the flag of his birthplace each time he takes the field.
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.
Marcus Smith of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
“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.”
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Sir Clive Woodward picks his England XV for summer series:
Legendary coach Sir Clive Woodward has named the five exciting England players he wants Steve Borthwick to build his future squads around.
He said: "Like Gareth Southgate and his England footballers, Steve Borthwick and the country’s rugby stars have a hugely exciting and potentially defining few weeks ahead.
"The similarities between the two teams are striking. Both are packed with exciting young players blessed with brilliant, natural ability.
"For Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka in football, read Marcus Smith, Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso in rugby. There are others in Borthwick’s squad I’m excited by, particularly Fin Smith and George Martin."
England's summer tour begins in Tokyo on June 22, coinciding with Eddie Jones' first game in his second tenure as Japan's head coach.
Steve Borthwick's squad will then head to New Zealand for two tests against the All Blacks: in Dunedin on July 6 and Auckland on July 13.
Picking Slade at 12:
He wrote: "With the talent England have, it is essential the midfield starts working. Henry Slade still has a big role to play. I’d have Marcus Smith at fly-half with a centre pairing of Slade and Freeman.
"Freeman is special and can play both wing and centre. He reminds me of Ben Cohen, who had a brilliant combination of power and timing. Ollie Lawrence has been fantastic, offers a physical presence and will undoubtedly be in the midfield conversation.
"But playing Slade at 12 offers a second kicking option to Marcus Smith and provides plenty of experience."
Wing selection:
He wrote: "I’d play Feyi-Waboso and Ollie Sleightholme on the wings. The former is a nailed-on starter and Sleightholme has come from nowhere to finish as the Premiership’s leading try scorer.
Ollie Sleightholme of Northampton Saints during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Northampton Saints and Bath Rugby at Twickenham Stadium on 8 June 2024. Photo: Elli Birch/PPAUK
"t is such an exciting summer of sport and English rugby needs to show why it can still be a blockbuster attraction. It is telling that, for the first time, traditional broadcasters will not air England’s game in Japan."
Sir Clive Woodward's England XV:
George Furbank
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Tommy Freeman
Henry Slade
Ollie Sleightholme
Marcus Smith
Alex Mitchell
Jie Marler
Jamie George (captain)
DAn Cole
Maro Itoje
George Martin
Tom Curry
Sam Underhill
Benn Earl
Ben Earl of England celebrates after winning during the Guinness Six Nations Match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on March 9th 2024. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Top 10 Fastest Rugby Players of All Time: Jonny May Makes the List
From electrifying sprints down the pitch to stunning tries, the sport has witnessed numerous rapid players who have left defenders trailing behind.
Although the idea of settling the debate about the fastest players with a head-to-head race is an exciting fantasy, the reality of retired athletes and different eras makes such a showdown unlikely.
Nevertheless, we can still explore the thrilling journey of discovering some of the speed demons who have graced the rugby field.
Note: Sevens players are not included in this list.
10. Jonny May – England – 10.71 seconds (100m)
England's Jonny May isn't just fast; he's a force to be reckoned with. Clocking in at an impressive 10.71 seconds over 100 meters, May's lightning speed has made him a formidable presence on the pitch. With an ever-growing prowess in finishing, May's name often finds itself at the forefront of Eddie Jones' team selections.
9. Cheslin Kolbe – South Africa – 10.70 seconds (100m)
Cheslin Kolbe's speed is the stuff of legend. A product of South Africa's rugby system, Kolbe blazed through school with a staggering 10.70-second 100-meter time. Today, he's even faster, making him a nightmare for opposition defences.
8. Jonah Lomu – New Zealand – 10.70 seconds (100m)
Jonah Lomu wasn't just a rugby player; he was a phenomenon. Despite his imposing stature, Lomu possessed the speed of a sprinter, clocking in at 10.70 seconds over 100 meters. His sheer power and pace redefined the winger position, leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of rugby history.
7. Doug Howlett – New Zealand – 10.68 seconds (100m)
Doug Howlett's name is synonymous with speed. As a former All Black and Blues sensation, Howlett's blistering pace, evidenced by his 10.68-second 100-meter dash, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Whether in international or Super Rugby arenas, Howlett's speed was a weapon to be feared.
6. Jason Robinson – England – 10.68 seconds (100m)
Jason Robinson's agility and pace were simply unparalleled. With the ability to leave defenders in his dust, Robinson's electrifying runs often ended with him crossing the try line. A true dual-threat in both league and union, Robinson's 10.68-second 100-meter time solidifies his place among rugby's fastest.
5. Joe Rokocoko – New Zealand – 10.66 seconds (100m)
Joe Rokocoko's nickname, "Smokin' Joe," says it all. The Fijian-born All Black winger dazzled audiences with his speed and agility, leaving defenders grasping at thin air. Clocking in at 10.66 seconds over 100 meters, Rokocoko's pace was as formidable as it was mesmerizing.
4. Sbu Nkosi – South Africa – 10.59 seconds (100m)
Sbu Nkosi is a testament to South Africa's speed prowess. With a lightning-fast 10.59-second 100-meter time, Nkosi's acceleration and agility have made him a standout in recent Springbok history. His ability to leave defenders in his wake has solidified his status as one of rugby's fastest.
3. Takudzwa Ngwenya – USA – 10.5. seconds (100m)
The budding winger found success in the United States, showcasing his talent for the under 19 USA national team prior to catching the eye of Biarritz in 2007. Ngwenya then made his mark with 239 appearances for the Pro 14 team, amassing an impressive 430 points. Additionally, he represented the USA national rugby team in 36 matches, where he scored 65 points and notably outran Habana during the 2007 World Cup.
2. Louis Rees-Zammit – Wales – 10.4 seconds (100m)
Louis Rees-Zammit is a name on the rise in the world of rugby speedsters. With a remarkable 10.4-second 100-meter sprint captured in a BBC documentary, Rees-Zammit's rapid ascent to prominence is no surprise. His blistering pace has already placed him among the elite in the sport.
Louis Rees-Zammit of Gloucester Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Gloucester Rugby and Harlequins at Kingsholm on 17 February. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
1. Bryan Habana – South Africa – 10.4 seconds (100m)
Bryan Habana is synonymous with speed and try-scoring prowess. With a debut try that epitomized his blistering pace, Habana went on to become one of rugby's most prolific try-scorers. His 10.4-second 100-meter time solidifies his status as a true speedster of the game.
