Lions star Marcus Smith has revealed he'd like to swap nations one day

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The 26-year-old Harlequins maestro, capped 44 times by England, made the admission during an “Ask Me Anything” session with England Rugby. While Smith remains fully committed to the Red Rose, he admitted he has ambitions to support—and even play for—the Philippines in the future.

“One day I’d love to help and be involved in Philippine rugby—my brother currently plays for the Philippines,” said Smith. “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… if I get that opportunity, if my body still holds up, it would be lovely to play with both of my younger brothers.”

Born in Manila to a Filipino mother and British father, Smith spent his early childhood in the Philippines before moving to the UK at the age of eight. It was there that his rugby journey began—eventually earning him a spot at Harlequins, where he burst onto the Premiership scene as a teenager.

After guiding Quins to a historic Premiership title in 2021 and earning a late call-up to the British & Irish Lions, Smith has become a mainstay in Steve Borthwick’s England setup, dazzling fans with his trademark footwork, pinpoint boot, and playmaking brilliance.

Under current World Rugby regulations, Smith could switch nations after a three-year international stand-down period—potentially paving the way for a return to his roots once his England days are done.

With his younger brother already representing the Philippines, could we eventually see Marcus light up the rugby scene in Manila?

Fri 20 June 2025
The Lions vs Argentina referee (Dublin)
Referee: James Doleman (NZ)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
FPRO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)

Sat 28 Jun 2025
Western Force v B&I Lions (Perth)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)
ARs: Paul Williams (NZ) & James Doleman (NZ)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)
FPRO: Glenn Newman (NZ)

Wed 2 July 2025
Queensland Reds v B&I Lions (Brisbane)
Referee: James Doleman (NZ)
ARs: Paul Williams (NZ) & Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)
TMO: Glenn Newman (NZ)
FPRO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)

Sat 5 July 2025
NSW Waratahs v B&I Lions (Sydney)
Referee: Paul Williams (NZ)
ARs: James Doleman (NZ) & Angus Mabey (NZ)
TMO: Richard Kelly (NZ)
FPRO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)

Wed 9 July 2025
ACT Brumbies v B&I Lions (Canberra)
Referee: Pierre Brousset (Fra)
ARs: Paul Williams (NZ) & Nika Amashukeli (GEO)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)
FPRO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)

Sat 12 July 2025
Invitational AUS&NZL v B&I Lions (Adelaide)
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Pierre Brousset (Fra)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
FPRO: Marius Jonker (SA)

Australia v The B&I Lions (Brisbane)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Richard Kelly (NZ)
FPRO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)

Tues 22 July 2025
First Nations & Pasifika XV v B&I Lions (Melbourne)
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
ARs: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SA)
FPRO: Richard Kelly (NZ)

Australia v The B&I Lions (Melbourne)
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
FPRO: Marius Jonker (SA)

Australia v The B&I Lions (Sydney)
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
ARs: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SA)
FPRO: Richard Kelly (NZ)

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