Harlequins are set to welcome back Marcus Smith for Sunday’s London derby against Saracens, with senior coach Jason Gilmore saying it will be “huge” to have a man he describes as the team’s “quarterback” on the pitch.
The 26-year-old England fly-half has not played for his club side yet this season after representing the British and Irish Lions on their tour of Australia in the summer.
Saracens have started the new Prem season with two big wins and are top of the table, while Quins have suffered consecutive defeats and have picked up just a sole losing bonus point against Bath on the opening day.
Harlequins completed the double over their city rivals last season, however.
“It’s huge for us [to have Smith back]. He’s our quarterback, he’s our guy. He’s a British Lion. He loves playing for Quins. He loves playing at The Stoop,” Gilmore told BBC Radio London.
“The energy and confidence that he brings to the other boys, when you sit in the dressing room and Smithy’s in there, you definitely get a boost.”
