Biter Taione quits Sharks

TONGAN international Epi Taione has quit Sale Sharks after being found guilty of biting an opponent.

Taione initially denied biting Munster number eight Denis Leamy during Sale’s Heineken Cup defeat at Thomond Park, but pleaded guilty at the hearing and was banned for 18 weeks.

Sale launched an internal inquiry into the incident and Taione has taken the decision to leave the club and pursue his career elsewhere.

“I have come to the conclusion that the best thing for me, and for Sale Sharks, is to release myself from my contract and concentrate on building my career with a new start and a new challenge,” said Taione.

“I deeply regret my actions during the game against Munster, and accept full responsibility for what I did.

“I would like to take this opportunity to apologise publicly to the club, to my team-mates and to the supporters, all of whom I let down through a moment of madness for which I am truly remorseful.”