Harlequins wing Marland Yarde completes switch to Sale Sharks

(Photo: Sale Sharks Rugby)
By Adam Ellis
Marland Yarde will join Sale Sharks with immediate effect after signing a three-year deal with the Aviva Premiership side.
The England international had fallen out of favour with the Harlequins coaching staff as a consequence of missing three training sessions this season, and director of rugby John Kingston said Yarde’s move to the AJ Bell Stadium is ‘in the best interests of the club’.
“Marland is a top player and I have a great relationship with him,” Kingston said of Yarde, 25.
“We have enjoyed working together over the last three years and I want to thank him for his contribution to the club and wish him well for the future.”
“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.”
Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond had praise for his new arrival as he continues to construct a new back line after the acquisitions of Faf de Klerk and James O’Connor in the summer.
“Marland is a very exciting player and he will very much suit our attacking style of play,” Diamond told the club’s official website.
“Though Marland has lots of experience he’s still very young with his best years ahead of him.
“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.”
Yarde joined Quins from London Irish in 2014 and scored 18 tries in 62 appearances for the Twickenham Stoop outfit.