Marcus Smith spent the majority of England's World Cup campaign at full-back. Photo: Getty Images/Miguel Medina
Harlequins and England midfielder Marcus Smith regrets not taking a break after the World Cup to recover mentally before diving back into club action with Harlequins.
Smith, who was primarily used by England at full-back in exhibition rugby, has played in every home match for his club since the bronze final win over Argentina in Paris — starting in all but one match.
The midfielder produced one of his greatest performances as Harlequins beat French league leaders Racing 92 in a thriller west of Paris on Sunday, but admits he might have been better off asking for a week off after the World Cup to recharge.
Smith's captain and rival for Smith's England No. 10 shirt, Owen Farrell, has announced he will take an extended period of time off from Test play to protect the mental health of himself and his family.
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There is no mandatory rest period for players returning from the Premier League World Cup. Each player is entitled to a certain break after a rugby tournament, but this is allocated in proportion to the number of minutes he played.
“I can’t quite put my finger on it,” Smith, 24, said after the victory at Paris’s La Défense Arena. “I think emotionally, having been stressed for so long… I had two weeks off in the offseason and three weeks of training because I didn’t want to miss the jump. I desperately wanted to get on the World Championship tour. I think I was a little naive in thinking I could just go straight back [to Harlequins] and sneak in. But it's a good lesson for next time — just be in touch and be more aware of when to say no. I love playing for the club and playing rugby and that's what I wanted to do as soon as I got back, but in hindsight I think I should have taken a week off.
“I can't talk about the situation with Owen — I wish him all the best with his decision — and I keep in contact with him, but in terms of my mentality, I think I was so desperate to get back, so desperate to play. again… but I also need to take care of my mind and body to ensure my longevity in the game. But now, after the last two-and-a-half weeks, I'm feeling really good and looking forward to the challenge next weekend.
“Billy Millard (Harlequins director of rugby) has been very good to me. I've known him for a while now and he always takes care of me. He knows how to make me smile and we have a great relationship. I trust him unconditionally and know that he always has my best interests at heart.”
Smith, who has 30 England caps to his name, produced a virtuoso performance in a bonus-point win over Stuart Lancaster's Racing 92, picking up 16 points, with his 45-metre goal ultimately proving the difference against the French giants. A three-point win means Quins welcome Toulouse to the Stoupes on Sunday with the wind in their sails.
Marcus Smith responds with interest 🤑
45m target to extend @Harlequins lead!#InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/TGNzJq6Fwa
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) December 10, 2023
“I love playing rugby and I love playing for Queens and I’m so passionate about it at the moment,” Smith added. “I'm completely focused on enjoying this weekend. My girlfriend and family are over. I'll enjoy it, enjoy Paris, and then focus on Toulouse, another French giant. We'll have to be on our toes at home next week. It will be an exciting game.»
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