mobanmarketSale Sharks have broken their silence on the departure of former England wing Marland Yarde, who quietly left through the exit door after the end of the 2021/22 season.
Earlier this year it was reported that a Red Rose international had been arrested on suspicion of rape.
Yarde confirmed via a statement last week that it was him, but that no charges had been brought and he was free to resume his professional career.
Sale have still parted company with the wing, but director of rugby Alex Sanderson admitted that it was a difficult decision.
Extreme situation
“He left by mutual agreement. That was sometime in the summer because of all the negative press and all the association,” Sanderson said.
“This is a sticky subject because I care for him and his family and I was the correspondence for him and his mum, so I am not going to go into his mental state or the difficulties he has had over the last eight months which have been extreme. Extreme. I can just say right now from what I hear he is in a good place and he is looking to keep playing the game.”
Yarde is now looking for a new club having had stints with London Irish, Harlequins and most latterly Sale.
His statement, posted on social media, said: “In January, as I think it is known by some of the rugby community, I was arrested on suspicion of having committed a very serious offence.
“A necessarily lengthy police investigation followed but I can now confirm that no further action is to be taken against me. I have not been charged with any offence.
“Whilst I never doubted my innocence, I understand that the investigation had to be handled with care and sensitivity for the protection of all involved.
“Although innocent of the crime alleged against me, I take full responsibility for having put myself in a situation where an allegation could be made against me.
“I am working hard to improve as a person using what the incident has taught and shown me. I want to apologise to all my family and friends for the hurt and distress I have caused them.
“Their love and support gave me the strength to see a positive future, and I look forward to resuming my career doing what I love which is playing rugby.”
Yarde’s replacement
Sale have strengthened their back three options by bringing in Exeter Chiefs flyer Tom O’Flaherty, who has already been impressing his new employers.
Despite not earning any international honours, the 28-year-old is highly regarded within the Premiership and should prove to be an important player for Sale this season.
“I don’t know if you have seen the pre-season games but Tom O’Flaherty has come in and he is better than I thought he was and he was pretty much the most underrated player in the Premiership last year,” Sanderson added.
“He has been brilliant, not just as a player like most people but he is a social animal. He has been accepted and indoctrinated as part of the team.”
Click Here: new zealand kiwis jersey