Chris Robshaw has criticised the behaviour of his former Harlequins team-mate Marland Yarde, stating the club will be better off without the wing after he was released for repeatedly missing training. Yarde, capped 13 times by England, has signed a three-year deal with Sale Sharks.
“I am disappointed in him,” said Robshaw. “Marland’s run out of lives and we’ll be in a better place for it. It’s a massive shame because he’s a talented player but John [Kingston] has made a great stance. As a club we’re going to be in a better place now.” The former England captain, usually diplomatic, made little effort to hide his feelings.
It is understood Yarde missed three Harlequins training sessions this season without a satisfactory excuse. In August he failed to report 24 hours before a pre-season camp in Germany, claiming he had overslept after taking sleeping pills. He also missed a routine midweek session and the captain’s run before a Champions Cup fixture against Wasps, which Quins lost 41-10, and could not be contacted by phone.
“Every decision I make is with the intention of doing the right thing for Harlequins, and that’s the way it will always be,” said director of rugby John Kingston. Yarde, who scored 18 tries in 62 appearances for Quins, began his career at London Irish. Sale boss Steve Diamond welcomed the signing: “He is a very exciting player and he will very much suit our attacking style of play. He’s still very young with his best years ahead of him.”
