Barbarians president John Spencer has revealed he is happy for his club to offer former England wing Marland Yarde a chance to resurrect his professional rugby career
“As a club, the Barbarians have a history of tolerance and giving people a second chance,” said Spencer.
“Marland Yarde has never been convicted of any crime. Not only that, he has not been charged with any offence.
“He is innocent until proven guilty. As president of the club, and as a lawyer, I am happy to stand by that principle.
“We want to help players like Marland to get back into the game and we’ve extended the invitation to him, as well as players from Worcester Warriors and Wasps, on that basis.”
Having not played since January, Yarde finally broke his silence in September after being arrested back in January on suspicion of having committed a serious offence.
Having not been charged, the winger has released a statement to his friends, family and supporters.
He wrote: “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,” began Yarde. “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.”
“We just don’t get on” – Joe Marler on three rugby stars he cannot stand
England prop Joe Marler is never afraid of sharing an opinion or two – especially when it’s about someone he doesn’t particularly like.
#1. Israel Folau
Over 1,000 days since Folau last played a professional match of rugby union, Marler’s old Twitter sparring partner made his return to the sport over the weekend.
The loose-head prop takes any chance he can to call out the former Wallabies fullback, who could soon represent Tonga, for his homophobic views.
In a series of tweets sent directly to Folau, Marler attached pictures and GIFs of men kissing, in a display of defiant humour which was praised by fellow players and LGBTQ fans alike.
Marler later named Folau in his dream team in a tongue-in-cheek fashion.
On selecting Folau as his fullback, Marler commented, “On the night out, after we had played our match on the Saturday, I’d take him out in Brighton to The Blue Oyster… a couple of clubs.”