'Physically, it was a shock to the system ' - Wade surprised by NFL call-up

Former England wing Christian Wade admitted it was a “huge surprise” to discover today that he had been drafted to the NFL Buffalo Bills franchise

Wade, who quit rugby union to follow his NFL dream, will be part of the International Player Pathway Program this season, which allows the four franchises in the AFC East to carry an extra player on their practice squads, as long as they are international players from abroad.

Wade, the former Wasps flyer, told Talksport: “The whole process has been huge and I am excited to go to such a big team as Buffalo. I refer to it like learning a language and you cannot play unless you know the terminology. Physically, it was a shock to the system and you only get one day off. I am only scratching the surface and the hardest thing to get my head round was the route running having come from rugby where you get more freedom.

“You are told how many steps to take in the route before you take a cut and eventually I started to look like an American football player.

"Having professional experience for 10 years has taken me through this and you cannot buy that kind of thing. I received a phone call from the Bills GM to tell me they were looking forward to meeting me. The NFL is so demanding and all I can do is put my head down, study and learn the playbook and hopefully make my way onto the field and make some plays.

“This move has taken a lot to get where I am but there are no guarantees and you must have 100 percent belief.”

Wade had some advice for England football captain Harry Kane who has expressed an interest in becoming a kicker in the NFL. Wade added: “Harry has got a hell of a boot and I cannot see why he wouldn’t make it but he would have to learn the playbook and maybe he can give me a call and I will put a word in for him!”