Marland Yarde, the former England winger, is expected to continue his rugby career in France after a successful stint with Bayonne that lasted until the conclusion of the 2022/23 season.
Following his departure from Sale during the off-season, Yarde made his long-awaited return to the rugby field in November.
He joined the Barbarians for their three-match Premiership tour, where they faced Harlequins, Bath, and Northampton.
In January, Sale publicly acknowledged that one of their players had been arrested by the police. On September 2, Yarde, the 13-cap England international, took to social media to confirm that he was the player in question.
His statement, although later deleted, asserted his innocence and disclosed that no further action would be taken against him.
His statement read: “In January, 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.”
Recent reports have linked him to a potential move to Biarritz, a team in the second tier of French rugby. However, earlier rumors suggested that Yarde might explore opportunities in Australia and potentially join one of their Super Rugby franchises.
He had also been linked with a move back to London Irish prior to the Exiles going out of business.
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“Ego off the scale” – Joe Marler reveals four players he can’t 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. Gavin Henson
These two have history. Henson was ruled out for a number of weeks in 2016 after Marler clattered the Welsh Prince off the ball.
The England prop was returning to rugby after a troubled 2015-16 season, that prompted the loosehead to take a break from the game in the summer missing England’s historic 3-0 whitewash of the Wallabies Down Under.
A story from Marler’s book shows the ego of Henson in 2005 was off the scale. Being told to hurry up with his hair by his captain Gareth Thomas, the playmaker showed his skipper little respect.H
enson’s reply to Thomas was: “Alf, your mother and father have come to watch you play today, but there are 72,000 out there who have come to watch me.”