How Marcus Smith carries his Filipino identity in England’s top rugby league

Marcus Smith has emerged as one of the brightest stars in England’s rugby union scene.

Few know he is half-Filipino. Yet in the quiet rituals before kickoff and in the way he carries himself, his roots are unmistakable.

“I play for England, and I’m very, very proud of that,” he told Rappler. “But every single game, I wear lucky shorts underneath my kit with a half-Filipino flag and half-English flag.”

“That ensures that whenever I step on the field, I remember where I came from. I remember my roots. I remember where I first picked up a rugby ball, which was in Manila.”

Smith, 27, plays as a fly-half for Harlequins. Born in the Philippines, he represents England internationally after qualifying through ancestry and residency, having moved to the United Kingdom at 13.

He debuted for Harlequins at just 18, becoming one of the youngest players in Premiership Rugby history. 

His stock rose in 2021, when he led the club to the league title and cemented his place among England’s elite. Two years later, he took the global stage at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Smith was born in Parañaque to a Filipina mother and an English father before their family moved to Singapore and eventually settled in the UK.

The values shaped by his Filipino upbringing have remained constant. For Smith, family has been his anchor.

“I think growing up in the Philippines, my mom Suzanne, my dad, and my family instilled a ‘family-first’ mindset,” he said. “We’re very close. They pushed and inspired me to achieve my dreams, whether that was in the classroom, building discipline and focus, or just playing with friends.”

“They also instilled a sense of togetherness and a love for being around people, which is massively important on the field. Rugby is the ultimate team game.”

That sense of togetherness runs through the entire Smith family. His brothers, Tomas and Luc, have also embraced the sport, representing the Philippines in international competitions, including the Southeast Asian Games.

As children, the three played for Manila Nomads, the country’s oldest active multi-sport club. 

They grew up not just with rugby, but with basketball and community games across places like Payatas in Quezon City and Makati, shaped by local coaches and grassroots competition.

“Whenever I play, I remember to represent all those people who helped me,” Smith said. “The coaches in the Philippines, my friends, my teammates. I keep them in mind, and that drives me to perform in a way that makes them proud.”

For his mother, Suzanne Smith, that pride was never measured in trophies throughout their childhood.

“We instilled in them a strong competitive drive and fighting spirit from a young age,” she said. “But more than that, we wanted them to grow up with a caring heart.”

She admits she never imagined her son would reach such heights in the sport, but what matters most is that he remained grounded.

During Smith’s matches in England, Suzanne often brings along Filipino supporters, complete with home-cooked food and loud cheers from the stands. 

What began as a small contingent has steadily grown into a community.

Smith notices them and takes pride in the Filipino support, no matter how small. He even calls some of them ate and kuya as endearments.

“It’s always a heartwarming feeling when I come off the field and see Filipinos in the crowd,” he said. “My mom brings her friends, and sometimes it’s their first time watching rugby.”

“There are more and more Filipinos coming to games now, and that’s really exciting.”

With many years still ahead in his career, Smith embraces a role that goes beyond the pitch. He knows he is now carrying the Filipino culture.

“I’m proud that I’ve been able to experience Filipino heritage and share it with my teammates from England, Australia, South Africa, Argentina,” he said. “They all want to visit the Philippines now.”

“Sharing that experience shows how special Filipino people are.”

When asked about playing for the Philippines in the future, Smith wants to keep the option open.

“That’s a dream,” he said. – Rappler.com