The athlete is tackling more than just opponents on the field; he also fronts the face of Charles Tyrwhitt and mentors the children of Payatas
When you think of a rugby player, images of mud-streaked jerseys and post-match celebrations probably come to mind long before visions of sharp suits and polished looks. But British-Filipino Marcus Smith, known for his standout skills as a fly-half for the Premiership Rugby club Harlequins, is here to challenge that stereotype. As the brand ambassador for Charles Tyrwhitt, Smith isn’t just making moves on the field—he’s changing the game off it too.
The map from the pitch to the boardroom wasn’t a difficult one for Smith. When Charles Tyrwhitt came knocking, the answer was a no-brainer. “I’m very privileged to play for the England rugby team, and the connection that Charles Tyrwhitt has with England rugby—their support and passion for the game and for sport—meant that when they approached me to be a brand ambassador, it was an easy answer,” Smith says.
British-Filipino rugby player Marcus Smith
The connection between the sport and the brand made the decision an easy one. “I enjoy dressing up, feeling smart, and for me, it was an easy answer,” he adds, capturing the essence of what it means to look sharp.
Smith relishes the opportunity to partner with a brand that’s as forward-thinking as he is. He talks about the excitement of working with a company that mirrors his own drive and ambition. “It’s a relationship I’ve really enjoyed over the last few years,” he reflects on how the ambassadorship complements his rugby career. It’s like having a perfect lineout: everything clicks and drives him forward.
A Break from the Field
As much as he loves his rugby gear, Smith appreciates the moments when he can swap the jersey for a finely tailored suit. “Obviously, a lot of my time is spent in rugby gear or training gear,” he acknowledges. But come the weekend, or any special occasion, the athlete is all about dressing up and feeling good. “Charles Tyrwhitt leads the way on that front. Their suits, their outfits—you can really dress up or dress down. That’s what I love about it,” he says.
Smith is the new brand ambassador for tailored menswear brand Charles Tyrwhitt
The contrast between his weekday grind and weekend sophistication is something he clearly relishes. “It’s nice to dress up, do my hair, and feel good,” Smith quips, reminding us that even the toughest athletes enjoy a bit of self-care.
A Newfound Passion
Smith’s foray into fashion isn’t something he always had on his radar. But over the past five years, his interest has skyrocketed. “Growing up as a sportsman, you see guys like David Beckham and Ronaldo—what they’re wearing becomes a piece of art, a way of showcasing your personality,” the athlete reflects.
The athlete understands that fashion is there to show your personality
Whether he’s donning a colorful outfit or something more subdued, Smith understands it’s a way for him to show the world that there’s more to him than what he showcases on the rugby field. “Fashion is one of those ways to show that,” he asserts, pointing out that athletes are more than just their on-field personas.
Sideline Style Icons
It’s no surprise that David Beckham, England’s perennial style icon, has had an impact on Smith. “What Beckham did, how ahead of his time he was—it was amazing,” Smith says with admiration. He recalls how Beckham wasn’t just a footballer; he was a trendsetter, wearing suits and sunglasses that would go on to define an era and memorialized through Instagram fashion accounts. Smith aspires to achieve the kind of off-field success that the former England captain has enjoyed.
Smith looks up to David Beckham as a modern style icon
“The minute they finish their sport, they want to dress up, they want to showcase the best of themselves,” Smith observes. He predicts that in the next five to ten years, we’ll see even more athletes expressing themselves through fashion, particularly at big events and concerts.
The athlete sees the intersection of sports and fashion continuing to grow. He points to athletes like Jude Bellingham and Lewis Hamilton, who are redefining what it means to be a sports star.
Giving Back Through Rugby
Smith is in the Philippines for charity: teaching the kids of Payatas how to play rugby. “It was an eye-opening experience to visit Payatas,” he shares. The simplicity of life there hit home like a well-placed drop goal. “You give these kids care, love, and support, and they’re the happiest kids in the world,” the athlete says with genuine warmth.
The athlete hopes to connect and broaden his fanbase
He takes pride in his time in Payatas, and the experience clearly impacted him. “We’ll definitely be back to hopefully see a lot of them still playing with a rugby ball,” he promises, confident that sport can help these kids make the most of their lives.
For Smith, fashion is a platform, a way to broaden his influence beyond rugby. He hopes that his partnership with Charles Tyrwhitt will allow him to connect with fans in the country. “The Philippines has the talent,” the athlete believes.
“We can create a lot more international rugby players if given the right guidance and support.”
Marcus Smith on Filipino talent
Styling Tips from a Rugby Star
When it comes to style, Smith’s advice is simple: trust your gut. “Sometimes I’m with my girlfriend standing in front of the mirror, and she takes a bit longer than me,” he laughs. But in the end, Smith believes that confidence is key. “The minute you look in the mirror, trust your gut and back yourself. Wear it with confidence and pride,” he advises.
“Trust your gut”: Marcus Smith gives this style advice
Athletes are increasingly stepping off the field and into varying platforms that suit their personal preferences. Marcus Smith takes one for the team in fashion, where appearances touchdown on reputation. With Charles Tyrwhitt at his side, he’s playing the long game, with style and sportsmanship being his winning combination.
Photographed by GRANT BABIA
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