I'd be very surprised if he moved, even for more money.

There are loads of things that Smith could do so Fissler is quite right in what he says, just trying to generate a story.

Well of course he's technically entitled to exercise a change of coach clause because there's been a change of coach. And of course some teams are sniffing around him.

I'd be surprised if he moved, though - I would have thought that working with Nick Evans would have been the primary draw for staying. While JK is a decent bloke, his technical strengths lie with fatter lads than Marcus.

Fissler is hit and miss like any journalist who talks mainly about transfer rumours although slightly better than rugby inside line. As discussed about I really can't see why Smith would want to leave, I can't see what Bath and Sale can offer him that Quins cannot.

Is there any more on the supposed move?  I would have thought he’d like the challenge especially as PG will have close links to EJ.

.....but why on God's earth are we allowing these clauses? And they're only ever inserted if they are intended to be used. To think otherwise is naive.

Probably because 'we' did'nt have a choice. At the time JK was probably between a rock and a hard place as clubs were probably willing to buy him out of his academy contract and pay him loads as well. From a players perspective if you have a whip hand I'd be looking to use it.

And sorry I don't agree with your last sentance. I would imagine any player, if given the option/chance would have that clause in his contract whether he wanted to exercise it or not just to make his contract as flexible as possible.

FWIW I don't think he'll go either, he's obviously on a good wage now and seems level headed enough to realise that he's still work in progress with people around him who know that. If he moved on my guess is that his new employers would'nt give him much 'slack' which he probably knows as well

I can imagine you have these clauses if not you might find the player not wanting to sign.  Think I  am right in saying it was a "long term" deal?? if so the player is going to want protection.  Lets say we change coach early in the deal and bring in someone that does not work for him, does he then sit out the rest of his deal unhappy or  he activates the clause and moves.  Or do Quins turn around and say "no, we cannot put a clause in like that" Smith replies "ok, thanks but no thanks"  all hypothetical of course but sounds reasonable to me.

Dont see how you can blame the club for that