Harlequins update Marcus Smith situation but offer good news on summer signing

Harlequins will once again be without England fly-half Marcus Smith for Saturday afternoon’s trip to Gloucester, but George Furbank will be fit after passing his return-to-play protocols.

Quins boss Jason Gilmore says that Smith, who damaged a finger in a friendly against Edinburgh, is training with the rest of the squad but could return for the trip to Sale Sharks on Sunday week or the opening Challenge Cup tie against Vannes.

England loosehead Finn Baxter is also nearing a return to action, but Gilmore says that he is a week or two away, while Furbank will make his first PREM appearance for Quins after his summer move from Northampton Saints.

“Smithy won’t play this week, but he won’t be too far away. We’re hoping for next week; if not next week, then the Vannes game definitely. Hopefully he’s on track next week.

“He’s just taken a knock to a finger. So he’s just had to get it straightened out and that type of stuff and just make sure there’s no tendon damage or anything like that.

Fixture

Gallagher Premiership

Gloucester

09:30

3 Oct 26

Harlequins

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“Hopefully just a week of it, just needing a little bit more, and it’s a finger, so strap it up, and hopefully he’s ready to go next week,” Gilmore told RugbyPass.

Meanwhile, Quins have announced that former Junior World Championship winner in 2014 and World Rugby U20 Championship Player of the Year James Chisholm has been forced to retire.

Back-rower Chisholm, who played 164 games for Quins and scored 21 tries, twice winning the Player of the Year award in 2017 and 2018, has had to admit defeat in his bid to return to fitness after an Achilles rupture sustained in January 2025.

“Obviously, it’s been a bit of an uphill battle with the recovery from my Achilles injury, and unfortunately my body just can’t get there. I still have the want to play and was really looking forward to this season and gave pre-season my all.

“We tried everything, but I just couldn’t get there. I feel ok about it all, and I am at peace with the decision now. The Stoop has been an awesome place to play my rugby, and I would like to thank everyone that has supported me.

“It’s not always been easy, because I have been injured so much and people have had to be patient. But to anyone that has ever come to support me, talk to me and cheer me on – thank you so much,” he said.