Marcus Smith’s dad played for Hong Kong and now the Manila-born prodigy is on a fast track to rugby stardom with England
The 19-year-old’s father, Jeremy, reminisces about his time living in Hong Kong and tells how his son’s Asian roots are helping to drive him to the top
He’s been touted by Eddie Jones as England’s “X-factor rookie” ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and 19-year-old Marcus Smith is drawing on his Asian roots as he rides the fast track to superstardom.
Born in Manila, Smith spent the first 12 years of his life in Asia and, while he was never based in Hong Kong, his father Jeremy represented the territory while living here before the birth of his first son.
Smith Snr lived in Hong Kong from 1992-97, playing for Valley and the national side, before moving to Manila and then Singapore, saying his son’s years in Asia and the fact his mother, Suzanne, is a Filipina have helped him both on and off the field.
“He is incredibly determined and confident but he is also very humble. The Asian culture is a very respectful one,” Jeremy said.
“They have great respect for their families and their elders and Marcus has that in him. I think that has helped off the field as he has grown up. He’s got loads of confidence but no arrogance and he is very grounded. He is just a respectful young man.”
