Ultimately choosing England was an easy decision for Smith – “I’m English, I’ve lived in England all my life, it was a simple choice that I wanted to be an England rugby player” – and suffice to say his performance against France vindicates that decision.
Fast-forward to last weekend and Smith, with an assured performance including two try assists, masterminded England’s victory over France, cementing himself in the England No 10 jersey for the foreseeable future, you suspect.
The offer from Townsend never came, and the Scotland ship officially sailed when Smith made his debut for England off the bench against Italy last February.
He was born in Warwick and came through the English age-grade system but as Steve Borthwick’s side ramp up preparations for the Calcutta Cup – Scottish property for the last four years - Smith knows there will be split loyalties at home.
Smith Sr has eight England caps of his own but as a child would marvel at his grandfather’s collection, he and brother Angus regularly trying them on.
