Marcus Smith reveals career dream he wants to fulfil with England - and plans shock switch to different sport after rugby
Updated 13/11/2025 at 17:35 GMT
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Marcus Smith, speaking to TNT Sports, has shared plans for a surprise switch of sport after his rugby career, while also unveiling the "dream" goal he wants to achieve with England. Smith has played a key role in his side's evolution under Steve Borthwick over the past year, turning in fine displays at fly-half and full-back. Watch England v New Zealand this weekend on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Smith outlines career dream with England - ‘That would be pretty special’
Video credit: TNT Sports
Marcus Smith has opened up on the "dream" goal he still wants to achieve with England - and a surprise plan to switch sports following his rugby career.
Smith, 26, has 45 Test caps for England and has been a regular feature in Steve Borthwick's evolving side over the last year.
He has appeared at both fly-half and, latterly, full-back, including during the ongoing Quilter Nations Series, where England have gone two from two following wins over Australia and Fiji, with New Zealand to come this Saturday in a mouthwatering showdown at Allianz Stadium - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Smith's marauding, creative style is a hit with fans, and after being part of the England squad that came so close to a World Cup final in 2023, it is clear there is unfinished business ahead of the next global rugby showpiece in 2027.
Speaking as part of TNT Sports' Connected series from England's autumn base at Pennyhill Park, Smith said: "I want to win a World Cup with England.
"I've been very lucky and blessed to have played for England a few times, made some special memories in an England shirt.
"[I was] very lucky to be picked in the last World Cup in 2023, devastated in that semi-final when we lost by one point [to South Africa].
"That's obviously still an ambition of mine to - fingers crossed - make the next World Cup squad, and go and win it.
"Obviously 22 years ago was the last time England won the World Cup [in 2003], and I know how desperate the group is to achieve that, not for ourselves only, but for the people that turn out week in, week out - that would be pretty special."
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Sport switch? 'Why not?'
Smith, who will start on the bench this Saturday as England face the All Blacks, is in the prime of his rugby career, but is clearly thinking about the future already.
There have been examples of his peers changing sports, with Christian Wade trying his hand at rugby league and the NFL, and Wales' Louis Rees-Zammit also spending time in the USA trying to crack the latter.
Smith has previously spoken of watching NFL documentaries and learning from the superstars in that world.
"There are lessons in other sports we can learn from," he said last year.
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"Like watching how calm guys like [Patrick] Mahomes and [Lamar] Jackson are in pressure moments, how methodical they are in their thinking.
"Also seeing how hard they work during the week and the fact they’ve got personal lives away from the field as well.
"It’s massively important to me to keep that balance so you don’t cook yourself."
Asked if he ever considered a move to the NFL, Smith thinks there could be a role for him.
"Not for now," he said. "I'm probably not quick enough or powerful enough for the NFL; those guys are freak athletes.
"For me, probably life after rugby, I'll try and go into kicking in the NFL.
"Why not? Give it a try."
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Smith has honed his skills as a kicker over recent years, impressing for Harlequins in the Gallagher PREM this term.
It is a high-pressure situation requiring strong technique and mental fortitude, and Smith discussed how he thrives under "abuse" as opposed to calm.
"Playing in Harlequins and playing in England, we're very lucky that the crowd really respects the kicker," Smith said.
"When you play European games away in France, I think I've had whistling, I've had chanting, so there's very minimal respect there.
"For me, to be honest, it doesn't really bother me. When I get into my little bubble when I'm goal-kicking, I try and blank out everything and do my job that's best for the team.
"If I had to choose one, probably the noise. I prefer chanting. I prefer a bit of abuse."
Watch and stream every game of the Quilter Nations Series live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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