Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union

Christian Wade is third in the all-time Premiership try-scorers list with 82 tries

Christian Wade has dramatically left Wasps to pursue a career in the NFL.

The winger, who won one England cap in 2013 and toured with the British and Irish Lions that year, is understood to have played his last game of rugby union.

The 27-year-old is third in the all-time Premiership try-scorers list with 82 tries.

He joins rugby union players Alex Gray and Christian Scotland-Williamson in trying to crack American football.

However, Wade is the biggest name to quit rugby union and attempt the transition.

Wasps said they were unable to make any comment on Wade's future, but hoped to provide an update in the coming days.

Wade, who missed last week's Champions Cup defeat by Leinster with illness, has been left out of the 23-man squad to face Bath in the competition on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Wasps are close to completing the signing of All Blacks centre Malakai Fekitoa.