Yates received a 6-month ban he received for biting the ear of London Scottish flanker Simon Fenn on 10 January 1998 whilst playing for Bath.[2] He subsequently moved to play for the Super 12 side Wellington Hurricanes, making his debut against the Sharks in the opening round of the 2000 Super 12.[2]
Yates joined Saracens in 2004.[6] In 2007 he was called up for England's tour of South Africa alongside Saracens teammates Matt Cairns and Andy Farrell.[7]
Due to Nick Wood being injured, Yates started against South Africa, a record period of time between caps.[8] On this tour he was capped twice; his first senior England caps for 10 years.