British & Irish Lions star Marcus Smith targets Gallagher PREM title ahead of long-awaited Harlequins return - 'Have to roll up our sleeves'
ByTNT UK
Published 26/09/2025 at 21:04 GMT+1
Marcus Smith has underlined how the "common goal" for Harlequins is to win the Gallagher PREM title this season as he sets his sights on re-entering the fray in the London derby against Saracens in round three. Smith won the Premiership title in 2020‑21 and finished as the top points scorer that season - but the fly-half is targeting more honours, fresh from his British & Irish Lions heroics.
Smith on 'very different' coaching regime at Harlequins while targeting Derby Weekend return
Video credit: TNT Sports
Marcus Smith has revealed his ambitions to win silverware this season with Harlequins in an exclusive interview with TNT Sports.
Harlequins have undergone a significant backroom reshuffle, with several high-profile departures and key appointments made ahead of the new Gallagher PREM campaign.
Director of Rugby, Billy Millard, stepped down after seven years at the club, having played a pivotal role in Quins' 2021 Premiership triumph and the development of their performance structure.
Danny Wilson, who joined as head coach in 2023, also departed to take up a permanent role with the Wales national team.
In response, Jason Gilmore has been promoted to senior coach, assuming greater leadership responsibilities, including the defensive portfolio.
Former Northampton scrum coach Matt Ferguson has arrived as lead rugby transition coach, while Toby Booth has returned to the club as forwards consultant, bringing added experience to the coaching setup.
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Smith on 'very different' coaching regime at Harlequins while targeting Derby Weekend return
Video credit: TNT Sports
Smith is excited at the prospect of building on the foundations put in place by Wilson, with the expectation now that the club can improve significantly on the modest standings of the past three seasons, in which Harlequins have failed to finish higher than sixth.
"Yeah, it's been very different," the England international said in his interview with TNT Sports' Danny Care prior to Friday night's curtain-raiser at home to defending champions Bath.
"I would say, first and foremost, Danny [Wilson] put this squad together and built this squad to the position we're in now. We've signed some great players that are new this year, and obviously, we haven't hit our heights in the last couple of years.
"I think with Gilly [Jason Gilmore] now, we've got a massive buy-in this first week. Obviously, we know we're a man down in the building and we know we're all going to have to roll our sleeves up and get after a common goal, which is obviously, like everyone says, trying to win the Premiership.
Smith has been keeping a low profile since returning from a successful summer in Australia with the British & Irish Lions, where he played his part in a 2-1 series win.
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Reflecting on his most recent experience on the pitch, the 26-year-old said he cherished sharing the success with those who have supported him throughout his career thus far.
"It was massively different [to four years ago]," admitted Smith, who signed a new contract extension last December, keeping him at Harlequins until at least 2028.
"Obviously, we had fans there [due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all matches in South Africa were played behind closed doors.]
"I was pretty gutted after 2021 when I had to FaceTime my family, and they were all very proud, but it was thousands of miles away.
"So it was nice to have them there. Nice to get my dad and mum there to present my first cap. That was a special experience and made it even better when we won."
Smith said he cannot wait to return to domestic action with Harlequins, and has targeted the visit of Saracens at The Stoop for his first appearance of the new campaign.
"I'm trying as quickly as I can, but I think it'll be the third game," he added. "Yeah, fingers crossed. It's a big one against Saracens.
"I've had a really good summer. Enjoyed some downtime, enjoyed some time with the family, with my missus, but I am now ready to go again."
Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM, Quilter Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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