ENGLAND WING MARLAND Yarde has signed a three-year contract with Sale Sharks after a potentially ‘poisonous’ fall-out with Harlequins.
Yarde was contracted with ‘Quins until the end of this season, but amid reports that he missed three training sessions – the latest of which was the captain’s run before the Champions Cup defeat to Wasps.
‘Yarde was told he needs to get out before it becomes a bit poisonous,” an unnamed source told the Daily Mail this week.
In a statement released this morning, Harlequins director of rugby John Kingston said it was in the best interest of the club to allow the 25-year-old, 13- cap international to leave.
“He’s played really well for us this year, but the decision for Harlequins to allow Marland to speak to Sale was made because I felt it was in the best interest of the club. Every decision I make is with the intention of doing the right thing for Harlequins football club, and that’s the way it will always be.
“I’m building a positive environment and culture at Harlequins, on and off the field, which I believe will ultimately allow us to challenge for honours.”
Harlequins currently occupy fifth in the Premiership and will face Ulster in back-to-back Champions Cup clashes in December.
Third from bottom with two wins and 14 points, Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond will hope the addition of Yarde can spark his side to rise in among the race for play-off spots.
“Marland is a very exciting player and he will very much suit our attacking style of play,” says Diamond.
“I am sure that he will fit in perfectly with the rest of our squad and we are all very excited about welcoming Marland to Sale Sharks.
“Marland fits our criteria of international class recruitment and our search for a world-class lock, prop and centre continues.”
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