Marcus Smith has committed his future to Harlequins, signing a bumper new deal that keeps him at the Premiership club until at least 2028.
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“Homegrown Hero”
The 25-year-old fly-half, with 41 England caps and 284 international points, has been a linchpin for both club and country. Smith was ever-present during England’s autumn internationals, starting all four matches under Steve Borthwick.
Since his Harlequins debut, Smith has racked up 166 appearances and was instrumental in their thrilling 2020-21 Premiership triumph.
“Quins Through and Through”
Speaking to the Harlequins website, Smith expressed his passion for the club:
“I love the club; it’s given me and my family so much over the years. Every time I step into the training ground, I’m excited about the future because of the talent we have here. We’ve always championed homegrown players, and I’m confident fans will see even more of that in the seasons ahead.”
(@harlequins)Big Bucks
Smith’s new deal reportedly nets him £600,000 annually, bolstered by an additional £160,000 through his RFU central contract. The combined earnings make him one of the highest-paid players in English rugby.
Borthwick’s Blueprint
Smith is among the 17 players handed England’s first Enhanced Elite Player Squad contracts, announced in October—a clear sign of his importance to Borthwick’s plans heading into 2024 and beyond.
Harlequins fans will undoubtedly be thrilled to see their star man staying put.
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The highest-paid rugby players in the world for 2024
They say money makes the world go round – and that’s certainly true for rugby.
While it might seem like a humble game of 15-a-side, the sport is big business, especially in Europe and Japan, where the cash flows fastest.
The world’s best players command staggering salaries, whether they’re veterans nearing the end of their careers or rising stars securing their first mega deals.
RUCK.co.uk breaks down the top 10 highest-paid rugby players in 2024. Figures are based on reports from trusted sources and databases. Note that the amounts mentioned are pre-tax and exclude sponsorship deals, which in some cases double their earnings.
10. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster & Ireland) – £550,000
The Ireland star tighthead prop has been widely regarded as the best in his position for over five years. At 32, Furlong remains an automatic first-choice player for both Leinster and Ireland when fit.
Benefiting from Ireland’s exceptional player management system, Furlong is reported to be the highest-paid Irish player in 2024. Should he maintain fitness, he’ll likely play a pivotal role at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
9. Steven Luatua (Bristol Bears) – £620,000
Remarkably, Luatua is thought to earn more than any All Black currently playing, despite being from his native New Zealand. The Samoa international is reportedly pocketing £620,000 annually for his services as a flanker at Bristol Bears.
8. Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – £630,000
The Springbok fly-half took a pay cut when leaving Montpellier, where he reportedly earned over £1 million per year. However, he still commands an impressive salary at Welford Road.
7. Antoine Dupont (Toulouse) – £700,000
The French superstar is not only the talisman for Les Bleus but also one of the sport’s most marketable figures. Dupont’s brilliance on the pitch is matched by his ability to attract lucrative deals off it.
6. Dan Biggar (Toulon) – £800,000
The Welsh fly-half upped his pay when he swapped Northampton Saints for Toulon. Now playing in France, Biggar’s experience and leadership continue to earn him top dollar.
5. Siya Kolisi (Lions) – £800,000
South Africa’s World Cup-winning captain joined the Lions in 2024, making him one of the highest-paid players in the sport. Kolisi’s reported £800,000 salary reflects his immense value on and off the field.
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens) – £850,000
Though Racing 92 reportedly courted him in the past with a £1 million offer, Itoje remains loyal to Saracens, where he’s still one of the sport’s highest-paid players.
3. Faf de Klerk (Yokohama Canon Eagles) – £900,000
The Springbok scrum-half’s move to Japan has proven to be highly lucrative. De Klerk’s deal with Yokohama Canon Eagles not only showcases the growing financial power of Japanese rugby but also cements his status as one of the game’s elite earners.
2. Finn Russell (Bath) – £1 million
The Scottish maestro’s move to Bath came with a substantial pay rise, making him the highest-earning player in the Premiership. Russell’s creative flair justifies his place on this list.
1. Owen Farrell (Racing 92) – £1.2 million
Set to leave Saracens after this season, Farrell has signed a blockbuster deal with Racing 92. The move, confirmed earlier this year, will reportedly see him pocket £1.2 million annually – the highest salary in rugby for 2024.
Can you name every nation to compete at a Rugby World Cup?
25 different teams have made the World Cup finals at least once – but how many of them can you name?
We’ve given you FIVE minutes to see, with the number of appearances each nation has made given as a clue.
Note: this list and the total number of appearances is up to and including the 2018 World Cup – but not any of the national teams that have qualified for the 2023 tournament, which includes Chile.
The score from the geography whiz in the RUCK office to beat is 23/25. Getting 100% is achievable if you really put your mind to it.
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