The injury crisis that England face on the wing after Jonny May was ruled out of immediate contention will not be easily resolved by summoning Marland Yarde after the former Harlequins’ wing was criticised by his recent club team-mate, Chris Robshaw, for letting down the club following his transfer to Sale Sharks. Harlequins’ patience with Yarde ran out after a string of time-keeping issues finally led to him being dropped for the match against Wasps triggering the switch of clubs.

As far as Robshaw is concerned, there is no regret at Yarde’s departure.

“Marland has run out of lives and as a club we are going to be in a better place now,” said Robshaw. “I am disappointed in him. It's a massive shame for the club because he's a talented player but [director of rugby] John [Kingston] has made a great stance.”

Yarde is one of the possible replacements for May who is expected to miss the opening game of the Old Mutual Wealth series after damaging a hamstring in training on Tuesday. Yarde has been in and out of the England squad over the past couple of years but was the starting wing in both Tests against Argentina in the summer and has a career total of eight tries in 13 appearances. However this latest indiscretion and the mood among the Harlequins players are sure to count against him.