Quins star reveals he’s had little contact with Steve Borthwick despite ‘burning desire’ to return to England squad

Harlequins star Alex Dombrandt has revealed that he still has a “burning desire” to return to international duties after missing out on England’s hugely successful Autumn Nations Series campaign.

The talented back-rower is a fan favourite at Quins, but has often failed to show this dynamic form in international colours.

Last appearing in England’s summer tour, playing against France A, Argentina (twice) and the USA, the 28-year-old had limited game time, getting just 112 minutes of on-field action in those four matches.

His impact was deemed not sufficient enough to be included in the following autumn internationals, with Ben Earl, Henry Pollock and Tom Curry all returning to the squad following their British and Irish Lions tour.

With many younger stars now coming through, time appears to be running out for Dombrandt to re-emerge as a genuine contender for the number eight Test shirt.

Still, with the recent loss of Tom Willis to club rugby France, and the need to have an alternative to flankers playing in the No.8 position, perhaps there is still an opportunity with the 2026 Six Nations now on the horizon.

Dombrandt spoke to Planet Rugby at the Investec Champions Cup launch at the end of November, where we asked him about his position in the England squad and whether he had spoken to head coach Steve Borthwick.

“No, I can’t say I have,” he laughed.

“I’m not sure, to be honest. I still have a burning desire to play international rugby. We have got a big block of games coming up between now and the Six Nations. So for me, like it was a big focus on getting into a big rhythm of games, playing as well as I can for Quins, and then, you know, hopefully that [England selection] will take care of itself.”

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Marcus Smith, fly-half or full-back

Another Quins hero who has found himself unsure of his place in the England team lately is Marcus Smith. Once hailed as the future of English rugby, he has now been reduced to substitute appearances, both in and out of position, for England.

A long-time club and country teammate, Dombrandt was full of praise for the talented playmaker. “He is one of those special players who can create something out of nothing.

“In recent times, he has probably shown that he can bring that control and mature kicking game with it as well. So he is an all-around, unreal player. We are very lucky to have him on our team.”

At Quins, Smith has been assured by new senior coach Jason Gilmore that he is their number 10, and that there are no plans to switch him to fit in with the England agenda of moving him to full-back.

“He would be the first to admit that he is a fly half and wants to play 10,” continued Dombrandt. “But Marcus is the type of player that, if he’s asked to play 15, he will relish that opportunity and do his best in that position, and he has taken to it really well.

“His kicking game, his ability when he gets the ball in space, to create space for other people, is second to none. So regardless of if he plays fly-half or full-back, he does a great job.”

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