1
It's official: Christian Wade eyeing rugby return
By Ian Cameron
Former Wasps flyer Christian Wade has confirmed he's eyeing up a return to rugby after getting cut by the Buffalo Bills.
Wade has spent three years at Bills but despite scoring a touchdown with his first competitive touch of a football; injury, age and a lack of experience ultimately cost him.
Although his decision has come at the tail end of the transfer season, the 31-year-old is likely to pique the interest of clubs, who will be eager to capitalise on his try scoring pedigree.
Now Wade has told the BBC that he is looking at a return to union as a very real option.
"I'm just looking at what the next move will be for me," Wade said.
"Whether I continue to pursue NFL, whether I look at rugby again - because I am starting to build up an appetite for it after being away for so long," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
"Ultimately I am intrigued what value [rugby union] teams can see that I could bring to them, now that I've had those three years away," he added.
"It's quite intriguing to see where those teams place me now if I was to join them.
"You add my NFL experience - an elite part of sport - that's something I can bring to teams now as well."
The Premiership's third highest all-time try scorer is eager renew a friendly rivalry with arch finisher Chris Ashton.
"There's been a rivalry and stuff like that - me and Chris go back a while now.
"When I came into the league he was England number one - scoring tries, 'Ash the splash', then eventually I came through the ranks and we were battling it out for that number 14 shirt.
"I'm really happy that he's been able to achieve what he's achieved but if I was to come back to the Premiership there's no doubt in my mind that he won't be holding that record for very long.
"I think he knows that as well.
"We'll have to wait and see if I do make a return back to the Premiership to reclaim that title."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
David Campese names his Springbok world player of the year winner
3
Let's be real about these All Blacks
4
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
5
Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
Go to comments