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       #Post#: 152054--------------------------------------------------
       Marcus Smith Targeted by European Giants
   DIR By: Quinto
       Date: March 30, 2026, 4:20 am
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  HTML https://www.ruck.co.uk/marcus-smith-targeted-by-european-giants/
       #Post#: 152056--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Marcus Smith Targeted by European Giants
   DIR By: Harleking
       Date: March 30, 2026, 5:15 am
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       It would be more surprising if other clubs weren't looking at
       him tbh.
       I would hate to see him play for another English club but you
       wouldn't blame him if he wants to earn massive money in France
       for a bit. It probably all depends on what happens with England
       really. If he's happy with the slightly odd bench role that he
       currently has then he will probably stay around, but if he gets
       fed up with not being first choice then I think he would be mad
       not to go.
       #Post#: 152058--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Marcus Smith Targeted by European Giants
   DIR By: never sleep
       Date: March 30, 2026, 5:41 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       I know this is a Ruck article and can probably be ignored -
       But, I don't think that I would be too unhappy if he were to be
       poached by Toulon.
       I really like Marcus and think he is a great player.
       But, the constant messing around from the England setup doesn't
       do him or us any favours.
       IMO
       He is often unavailable for us for crucial periods or the
       season.
       He once got crocked while playing out of position (ie. at 12)
       for England - which is hardly surprising.
       He doesn't know long term whether he is a 15 or a 10.
       When he does finally get back to us (after rest periods that are
       probably not really needed - after all, he is normally sitting
       on the bench for most of the games) - it seems that he has
       difficulty adjusting back to playing with the team - which is
       hardly surprising.
       He is the sort of player that you can really build your attack
       around. But, we really can't do this at the moment due to the
       reasons above.
       Maybe Quins would be better with choosing someone like Benson
       (or Bellamy) as the long term option and building the attack
       around them.
       #Post#: 152063--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Marcus Smith Targeted by European Giants
   DIR By: KentQuin
       Date: March 30, 2026, 6:10 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       As everyone knows I'm no Borthwick fan, but Quins have to look
       at ourselves first. Get a functioning platform and play him at
       ten, challenging the gain line with options around him, and we
       will very quickly see the old Marcus back.
       Marcus is a world class ten. I like Benson and he has talent,
       but suggesting we're better off building without Marcus is
       crazy. You don't become better by shedding your best players.
       #Post#: 152065--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Marcus Smith Targeted by European Giants
   DIR By: Quinten Poulsen
       Date: March 30, 2026, 6:13 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Yep, crazy talk. Losing Marcus would be devestating.
       #Post#: 152066--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Marcus Smith Targeted by European Giants
   DIR By: Banstead Quin
       Date: March 30, 2026, 6:16 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       I agree that I couldn't blame him for going to France and
       playing in a side who'll let him play to his strengths, without
       the pressure of England to worry about. Unless Ford or F Smith
       get injured, he's not starting at 10 for this coaching group so.
       If I was him, I'd look at those offers and ignore the WC this
       time round. He'll get another crack in 5 years time and there'll
       be a new coaching group by then.
       I love him dearly but for his mental health and happiness, he
       needs to get away from Borthwick and his numpties and enjoy
       playing again.
       #Post#: 152067--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Marcus Smith Targeted by European Giants
   DIR By: never sleep
       Date: March 30, 2026, 6:35 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       --- Quote from: KentQuin link ---
       >
       > As everyone knows I'm no Borthwick fan, but Quins have to look
       at ourselves first. Get a functioning platform and play him at
       ten, challenging the gain line with options around him, and we
       will very quickly see the old Marcus back.
       >
       > Marcus is a world class ten. I like Benson and he has talent,
       but suggesting we're better off building without Marcus is
       crazy. You don't become better by shedding your best players.
       >
       --- End Quote ---
       Sure - I get that - but the current setup (re. England) is not
       doing him (or us any favours).
       I agree with the sentiments - A am a huge fan of Marcus and have
       been since the first time that I can remember seeing him
       (playing at the pre-season vs Irish I think?).
       #Post#: 152068--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Marcus Smith Targeted by European Giants
   DIR By: Quinten Poulsen
       Date: March 30, 2026, 6:44 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       --- Quote from: Banstead Quin link ---
       >
       >
       > I love him dearly but for his mental health and happiness, he
       needs to get away from Borthwick and his numpties and enjoy
       playing again.
       >
       --- End Quote ---
       Well that's quite the proclamation!
       #Post#: 152069--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Marcus Smith Targeted by European Giants
   DIR By: Banstead Quin
       Date: March 30, 2026, 7:32 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       What the love or Borthwick's numpties? 😜
       #Post#: 152070--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Marcus Smith Targeted by European Giants
   DIR By: MaidstoneQuin
       Date: March 30, 2026, 7:59 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       TBH If i was Marcus id give it till RWC the go chase the money
       in France. He deserves to be in a realistic trophy winning side
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