Furbank says Smith partnership is clicking as Quins prepare for Saracens

George Furbank says he is enjoying life at Harlequins and believes his developing partnership with Marcus Smith is beginning to click, as the London club prepare to host Saracens on Sunday.

The 30-year-old joined Quins this summer after a decade in Northampton’s senior squad. He says the move has brought him closer to his partner and old school friends, as well as giving him a taste of city life.

On the pitch, Furbank and Smith will start together for a third successive game against Saracens. Their partnership has shown promise despite Quins losing 28-24 to Sale: Furbank helped create a try for Sam Riley and set up a score for Smith in that match. The pair also featured in a convincing Challenge Cup win over Vannes the following week.

“He’s a one-of-a-kind player,” Furbank said of Smith, praising his threat with the ball and his passing. He said the key was understanding what Smith might do in particular moments and making his own move accordingly.

Quins have lost their past three league matches and are hoping to end that run against their north London rivals. The BBC reports that prop Fin Baxter is back after 10 months out, strengthening the hosts’ pack.

Saracens have described the match at the Stoop as Quins’ “cup final” on social media. Quins won the corresponding home fixture 20-14 last season and also came out on top in 2024.

Furbank, who missed England’s summer campaign after appendicitis compounded a long run of injuries, said he was keen to be considered for the training squad preparing for the Nations Championships. The squad is due to be announced after Sunday’s match.

“We’re chasing a performance,” he said. “If we start performing consistently for 80 minutes, we feel the wins will come.”