Christian Wade on the specific rugby skills he's bringing to the NFL

Former Wasps and England winger Christian Wade has given an insight into the differences and similarities between American Football and rugby.

Speaking on the radio show One Bills Live, Wade revealed the transferable skills between the two sports, and those which are new to him.

The 28-year-old said that “returning” the ball is the most translatable skill in American Football, particularly kick returns, where he is aided by blockers. On the other hand, there are small elements of the game which he has struggled with, such as how to hold the ball, and to look where he is running rather than looking at the ball.

You can watch the full interview here.

Having the ball placed into his arms is something that the former British and Irish Lions tourist would not have experienced during his rugby career, and will obviously take some getting used to, alongside some of the tactical elements of the game.

Wade is currently training with NFL outfit the Buffalo Bills, hoping to make it onto their roster for the NFL season which starts in September. He may still have a long way to go, but considering he only left rugby in October 2018, he has made great progress.

While there may be some huge differences between the two sports, Wade’s speed and agility will surely make Christian Wade a success in American Football, as he possesses a ball-carrying ability which is hard to find and harder to teach. That natural talent is probably what lured him to make the move in the first place, as he showed throughout his illustrious career.

Head coach Sean McDermott said in the interview that Wade’s “got a long road to haul here, but I think he’s up for the challenge,” while Wade said that this was the “beginning of all the hard work.”