Marcus Smith signs first professional contract with Harlequins

Talented fly-half Marcus Smith has signed his first senior professional contract with Harlequins.

Smith, a product of the Harlequins Academy, made his debut for the senior team in 2017 and his performances earned him a call-up to England's autumn international squad.

Harlequins confirmed that the 18-year-old has signed a long-term deal with the Aviva Premiership club.

"I am delighted to have secured Marcus' long-term future at Harlequins," Quins rugby director John Kingston said.

"Marcus is an intelligent and humble young lad who is very focused on his rugby. He has the talent and abilities to take this Quins side forward on to the next stage of its development.

"He is the type of player and person that perfectly embodies the Harlequins spirit and culture we are building at The Stoop."

Smith, who holds the record for the second youngest debutant featured in the Aviva Premiership behind George Ford said: "Harlequins is a fantastic club, and they have looked after me extremely well since I joined three years ago.

"The club is incredibly ambitious, and combined with John Kingston's long-term vision, it made the decision much easier knowing the faith and guidance he has shown me.

"As a player, you want to be playing in the big games, and hopefully if I can keep improving I will be involved in more and more of them and help the club progress both domestically and in Europe."