The Harlequins and their supporters have reasons to be optimistic with forwards Marcus Smith and Fin Baxter, both key figures for England, inching closer to their return to the pitch. Smith, a dynamic fly-half, and Baxter, a stalwart loosehead prop, have been sidelined, missing crucial early fixtures of the PREM Rugby season and the PREM Rugby Cup due to injuries.
Harlequins' Head Coach, Jason Gilmore, shared some much-needed positive news about the pair's recovery. With the team still seeking their first points of the season after two consecutive losses, the return of these players could provide a significant lift. “It’ll be great to get those two back,” Gilmore expressed, highlighting their importance to the team.
“He was back on the training pitch this week,” Gilmore said about Smith. “As long as he can train properly, get through his contact, and return to play levels, then he’ll be ready to go. He’s on track at the moment.”
Smith has been dealing with a broken finger since a pre-season friendly against Edinburgh, an injury further compounded by the loss of George Furbank earlier in the same game. Meanwhile, Baxter has had a more prolonged absence due to a foot injury sustained in December 2025, which necessitated two surgeries. Despite hopes for a preseason return, Baxter has been limited in the early rounds of the new season.
However, there's a silver lining as Baxter joined the team training recently, signaling a potential return. “Not too far,” Gilmore noted. “He trained with the boys today; this week (against Sale Sharks) will be a stretch, but hopefully, he’ll be back on deck next week.”
While the upcoming match against Sale Sharks might be too soon for Smith and Baxter, they are targeted to possibly feature in the Harlequins’ opening EPCR Challenge Cup game against Vannes on October 18th. Additionally, their return could be timed perfectly for the much-anticipated London derby against Saracens the following week.
This phased reintroduction to the team will be crucial for Harlequins as they seek to turn their season around. The expertise and on-field presence of Smith and Baxter not only bring technical skills but also a psychological boost to the squad, elements that Harlequins are currently missing. Their return will be instrumental in Harlequins' efforts to climb up the league table and improve their standing in competitive fixtures ahead.
