Christian Wade: Why star winger is set to depart Wasps for NFL Gridiron will inherit one of rugby union’s most lethal finishers

Wasps and former England and British and Irish Lions winger Christian Wade is reportedly set to abandon his club and rugby union to pursue a career in the NFL.

The 27-year-old, capped once for his country in 2013 against Argentina, is understood to have played his last match for the Coventry-based club and will be likely targeting the NFL’s international player pathway. The structure permits teams in the AFC South and NFC North an additional practice squad place for players outside the United States from selected countries, including the UK.

Wade is third in the Premiership all-time top try-scorer count, known as one of the league’s most lethal finishers. His pace, agility and athleticism could make him useful to an American football side, given the similar skillsets between the running games.

The i newsletter latest news and analysis Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription.

Reasons for switching sports

A switch between the sports is not unheard of. Lawrence Okoye, an academy winger for London Irish and Wasps, who also threw discus for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics, has played for a series of teams in the NFL, predominately as a defensive tackle.

Indeed, other rugby players such as Alex Gray and Christian Scotland-Williamson, have previously made the transition to the NFL. Gray, who was best known for representing London Irish and then England Sevens between 2013-2016, has played for the Atlanta Falcons since May 2017. Scotland-Williamson plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers after three years with Worcester.

Both of the latter are offensive tight-ends, 6’4″ and 6’9″ tall respectively, whereas Wade is 5’8″. Wade’s height has previously been seen as a barrier to test rugby by successive England Rugby head coaches, but would not be an issue in an offensive line as a receiver for an NFL team, who would only need his pace and running talents. Wade also stands to make far more from the NFL’s lucrative salary packages than in Premiership Rugby, should he gain a squad place in an NFL side.

The Times has also reported that Wade has previously been approached to try out for the NFL previously, has an American girlfriend, and has spent three weeks in the United States with an NFL-style footwork coach.

Wade’s snubbing by successive England setups may have also had some bearing on his decision.

For years he has been a standout winger in the Premiership and his absence from the international side has been notable.

In the 2016/17 season Wade equalled Dominic Chapman’s record of 19 tries in a season (in all competitions), while he also claimed a memorable six tries against Worcester at Sixways in 2016.

Lack of diversity in the sport

Wade has also previously criticised the reputation and inclusivity of rugby union at the top level. “Rugby union definitely has a private school image. We need to reach out a lot more,” he said in a recent interview with the BBC.

“Although I went to a grammar school, we were lucky enough to be on the same circuit as the private schools. I feel that was my way of getting into the system.”

He added: “I think there is probably a lot more that can be done to integrate everyone and make it more diverse. There is a lot of talent out there in normal secondary schools that can be transferred across.”

Follow us on Facebook: @iPaperSport

Wasps have, until now, refused to comment on the story to other outlets and an official announcement is expected prior to the weekend Heineken Champions Cup fixture against Bath.

However, Wade’s name was removed from the club’s squad list on Friday morning before quickly being reinstated.

i has contacted the Wasps for comment.

The club are also understood to have signed Malakai Fekitoa from Toulon, who will replace Willie Le Roux as a marquee player next season.

@LouisAlexDore