Sale wing Marland Yarde, who was forced out of Harlequins mid-season, has paid tribute to his former club’s deposed director of rugby, John Kingston.

Yarde joined Sale in November but holds no grudges against the man who sanctioned his departure.

“I got on well with JK,” Yarde said. “He helped me a lot in my time at Harlequins. I don’t know what the ins and outs of his departure are and it is not really of major interest to me. My major interest is for him as a person and his welfare.

“John Kingston is a strong man and he is a very strong person mentally and I am sure whatever adversity he has been through right now he will come through it. I wish him all the best.”

Shortly after the move, England flanker Chris Robshaw stated that the club would be a “better place” without Yarde. Yet while Harlequins’ form has nosedived, resulting in Monday’s announcement of Kingston’s departure, Yarde has prospered, scoring four tries in his last four games for a resurgent Sharks team eyeing a play-off place.