Marcus Smith admits ‘hurt’ over underperforming for Harlequins after England star made mistake of rushing back into action after the World Cup

Marcus Smith admitted he returned from World Cup duty with England too early and should have taken a break before returning to play for Harlequins after returning to his entrepreneurial spirit.

Smith helped Steve Borthwick's national side finish third at the global showpiece in France earlier this year, playing most of the tournament at wing-back rather than his preferred number 10 position.

The 24-year-old has featured in every match for his club since returning from international action.

Smith now thinks this was a mistake, but he was certainly back at full speed this weekend.

He was man of the match in a famous 31-28 win over Racing 92 in Paris, scoring a try and scoring four conversions and a 45-yard drop goal for a 16-point haul.

“I think it was quite difficult for me to come back from the World Cup,” Smith said. 'It took me a few weeks. I underperformed in the first few games I played in the Quins shirt, which honestly hurt me because I take pride in the way I train and play at the weekend.”

The wellbeing and demands of England's top rugby stars have become a major talking point after captain Owen Farrell decided to take a break from Test action to prioritize his and his family's mental health. Smith said he has learned that resting in the future will help him extend his career.

'I had two weeks off in the off-season and three weeks of training because I didn't want to miss the jump. “I was desperate to get on that World Cup tour,” he said.

'I think I was a bit naive in thinking I could come straight back and sneak in. But it's a good lesson for next time – just to better understand when to say no.

“I love playing for this club and playing rugby and I wanted to do that as soon as I got back, but I think in hindsight I should have taken a week off.

'I can't say anything about Owen's situation. I wish him the best of luck with his decision and will keep in touch with him. I was so desperate to get back and play again so badly, but I also have to take care of my body and mind to ensure I have longevity in the game. I feel really good now after the last two and a half weeks.”

The fly-half led his club Harlequins to a famous victory over Racing 92 in Paris this weekend

With Farrell missing next year's Six Nations and likely all of 2024 in terms of international action, the England half jersey will go to George Ford or Smith.

The latter was in sensational form as he helped Harlequins to Racing.

There is no playmaker in the English game whose running and attacking threat can rival that of Smith. “I love playing rugby and I love playing for Quins and I've invested so much in that at the moment. “A lot can happen between now and when the England squad is announced,” he said.

Smith also said the reversion from shirt 15 to number 10 was part of the reason why he was not at his best in his first few games with Harlequins.

He has also received help from his club's psychologist.

After returning from Paris' La Defense Arena with a five-point win over the French TOP14 leaders, Harlequins face more Gallic opposition in the Champions Cup this weekend.

Toulouse – the champions of France – are their next opponents at The Stoop on Sunday.

The 24-year-old star helped Steve Borthwick's England finish third at the World Cup in France

'It will be an exciting match. Hopefully it will allow a free game again as we both want,” Smith said about the confrontation with Antoine Dupont and Co.

'They have stars all over the field who can strike from anywhere, just like in Racing. There will be some sore bodies in this game, so we will have to do our best to recover as best as we can and get our emotions right. In this competition you can't switch off for a second, especially not in your home games. We want to progress in this competition.'

Sunderland's Stadium of Light will host England's Red Roses in the opening match of the 2025 Women's World Cup. The tournament will be hosted exclusively in England.

The RFU and World Rugby have set a target of selling out Twickenham before the final and breaking the record for attendance at a women's match.