Harlequins make Smith highest paid teen
London: British rugby will be home to the best paid teenager in the world game from next season.
Marcus Smith, still only 18, will be paid a salary of £230,000 a year from next season having been offered the eye-watering deal by his club Harlequins.
It’s the sort of financial package that rivals the scale of National Dual Contracts handed to seasoned Welsh internationals.
Smith’s three-year contract is structured to rise at the end of each season and performance-related pay plus potential international appearance fees could see his wage packet rocket even further.
It’s a sign of how highly-rated the apprentice first five – eighth - who is currently on an academy contract worth £30,000 a year - is by his employers.
Smith has already proved his credentials in senior rugby having started 11 of Harlequins 13 Aviva Premiership games so far this campaign after getting his chance because of injuries to more established alternatives.
He has already been tipped by England boss Eddie Jones to play a part at the 2019 World Cup.
“Harlequins is a fantastic club and they have looked after me extremely well,” said Smith.
“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