Christian Wade

{{short description|England international rugby union, American football player and rugby league player}}

{{Infobox rugby biography

| name = Christian Wade

| image = Christian Wade, Twickenham - May 2012.jpg

| image_size = 190px

| caption = Wade for England in 2012

| full_name = Christian Wade

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1991|5|15}}

| birth_place = Slough, England

| height = {{convert|1.75|m|ftin|abbr=on}}

| weight = {{convert|85|kg|lb stlb|abbr=on}}

| school = Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe

| university = St Mary's University College

| ru_currentteam =

| ru_position = Wing

| youthyears1 =

| youthclubs1 = Chinnor

| repteam1 = England U20

| repteam2 = England A

| repteam3 = England

| repteam4 = British & Irish Lions

| repyears1 = 2009–2011

| repyears2 = 2011

| repyears3 = 2013

| repyears4 = 2013

| repcaps1 = 8

| repcaps2 = 6

| repcaps3 = 1

| repcaps4 = 0

| reppoints1 = 40

| reppoints2 = 45

| reppoints3 = 0

| reppoints4 = 0

| ru_ntupdate =

| years1 = 2011–2018

| clubs1 = Wasps

| apps1 = 165

| points1 = 495

| years2 = 2022–2024

| clubs2 = Racing 92

| apps2 = 25

| points2 = 50

| years3 = 2024–25

| clubs3 = Gloucester

| apps3 = 19

| points3 = 60

| ru_clubupdate = 2 June 2025

| repsevensyears1 = 2009–2010

| repsevensteam1 = England 7s

| repsevenscomp1 = 7

| ru_sevensupdate =

| module = {{Infobox NFL biography

| embed = yes

| number = 45

| position = Running back

| pastteams = * Buffalo Bills ({{NFL Year|2019}}–{{NFL Year|2022}})*

| status =

}}

| module2 = {{Infobox rugby league biography

| embed = yes

| position = {{rlp|WG}}

| club1 = {{nowrap|Wigan Warriors}}

| year1start = 2025

| year1end = present

| appearances1 = 0

| tries1 = 0

| goals1 = 0

| fieldgoals1 = 0

| points1 = 0

}}

Christian Wade (born 15 May 1991) is an English professional rugby league player, former American football player, and former rugby union player, who currently plays for Wigan Warriors in the Super League.

Wade played for Wasps for seven seasons and scored 82 tries in Premiership Rugby, which places him fifth in the best try scorers list.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/46024276|title=Christian Wade: Ex-Wasps winger says England's size obsession limited him to one cap|first=Chris|last=Jones|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 October 2018|access-date=3 July 2024}} In October 2018, he switched to American football to pursue a career in the National Football League. He spent three seasons as a running back for the Buffalo Bills' practice squad and then returned to rugby union in August 2022.

In 2013, Wade played one international match for England, against Argentina.

Early life

Raised in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, Wade attended Hamilton Primary School and Royal Grammar School.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/club-rugby/christian-wade-float-like-a-butterfly-sting-like-a-wasp-6257514.html|title=Christian Wade: Float like a butterfly, sting like a Wasp|first=Simon|last=Turnbull|website=The Independent|date=5 November 2011|access-date=1 February 2013}} He was not initially interested in rugby union but picked it up as it was the RGS's primary sport.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/dec/21/christian-wade-wasps-winger-pace|title=Christian Wade: There's a place for a winger like me|first=Robert|last=Kitson|website=The Guardian|date=21 December 2012|access-date=1 February 2013}} He represented England U16 A, England U18 and England U20, and Wasps at the Middlesex Sevens as a schoolboy. A former district and English Schools athlete, Wade ran a time of 10.8 seconds over the 100m distance at the age of 16. He was trained by the former English sprinter Julian Golding.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/9528614/Stuart-Lancaster-says-Wasps-wing-Christian-Wade-will-have-more-opportunities-for-England.html|url-access=subscription|title=Stuart Lancaster says Wasps wing Christian Wade will have more opportunities for England|first=Mick|last=Cleary|website=The Daily Telegraph|date=7 September 2012|access-date=1 February 2013}}

After finishing school, Wade studied Sports science and Psychology at St Mary's University College in Twickenham while playing for the Wasps' academy side and then the senior team. As of 14 February 2017, he had a 0.623 tries per game ratio for Wasps with 76 tries in 122 matches. For the England Saxons, Wade had a 1.5 tries per game ratio, scoring nine tries in six matches.

Rugby union career

=Club career=

Wade made his debut for Wasps RFC in Abu Dhabi on 30 January 2011 against Harlequins by replacing Jack Wallace in the 48th minute of the 13–38 defeat in the 2010–2011 Season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/9376759.stm|title=Wasps 13-38 Harlequins|work=BBC Sport|date=30 January 2011|access-date=3 July 2024}} He made three further appearances that season scoring one try against Exeter Chiefs.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/9473200.stm|title=Exeter 21-8 Wasps|work=BBC Sport|date=7 May 2011|access-date=3 July 2024}}

Wade had a strong 2011–12 season, when despite missing three months with injury, he finished the season as the second-highest try scorer in the Premiership with nine in 15 games.

At the end of the 2012–13 season, Wade was named both the Players' Player of the Year and the Young Player of the Year after a good season for Wasps.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/22632937|title=Wasps wing Christian Wade wins double at awards|website=BBC Sport|date=23 May 2013|access-date=3 July 2024}} He finished level with club teammate Tom Varndell as the Premiership's joint leading try-scorer with 13. Wade also scored five tries in the 2012–13 European Challenge Cup including their quarter-final defeat against Leinster.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/london-wasps-28-leinster-48-lions-hopeful-christian-wade-creates-a-buzz-but-wasps-are-outclassed-m0v990lj2h8|url-access=subscription|title=London Wasps 28 Leinster 48: Lions hopeful Christian Wade creates a buzz but Wasps are outclassed|first=Daniel|last=Schofield|website=The Times|date=6 April 2013|access-date=3 July 2024}} Overall he scored 18 tries in 26 appearances in that season.

In the 2013–2014 season, Wade made ten appearances and scored five tries before an injury against London Irish in November ended his season.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/25184763|title=Christian Wade: Six Nations blow for England & Wasps wing|website=BBC Sport|date=2 December 2013|access-date=3 July 2024}} After eight months of rehabilitation, he made his return against Saracens, scoring two tries in defeat.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/29050644|title=Premiership: Saracens 34–28 Wasps|work=BBC Sport|date=6 September 2014|access-date=14 January 2017}} He scored 12 more tries in the next 21 games.

On 16 April 2016, Wade equalled the Premiership record by scoring six tries in one match against Worcester Warriors.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36074623|title=Christian Wade: Wasps winger's six tries 'a reminder' to England coach Eddie Jones|work=BBC Sport|date=18 April 2016|access-date=3 July 2024}} At the end of that campaign he played in a Champions Cup semi-final loss against Saracens.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36083578|title=Champions Cup: Saracens beat Wasps to reach final|first=Adam|last=Williams|website=BBC Sport|date=23 April 2016|access-date=3 July 2024}} The following 2016–17 season saw Wasps top the table and Wade started in the final which saw them lose to Exeter after extra time to finish runners up.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40018239|title=Premiership final: Wasps 20-23 Exeter Chiefs (aet)|first=James|last=Law|website=BBC Sport|date=27 May 2017|access-date=3 July 2024}}

=Return to rugby (2022–present)=

Wade made a return to rugby in August 2022 in a sevens tournament for French side Racing 92. A permanent move to the side was confirmed in September 2022.{{cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/12695946/christian-wade-racing-92-sign-former-england-winger-after-three-year-nfl-career-at-buffalo-bills|title=Christian Wade: Racing 92 sign former England winger after three-year NFL career at Buffalo Bills|work=Sky Sports|date=12 September 2022|access-date=12 September 2022}} His last appearance for the club came in the 2023–24 Top 14 season quarter-final elimination against Bordeaux Bègles.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/match/EVP4495677|title=Bordeaux Bègles 31-17 Racing|work=BBC Sport|date=16 June 2024|access-date=3 July 2024}}

In March 2024 Gloucester Rugby announced the signing of Wade for the 2024–25 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/68558784|title=Christian Wade: Gloucester sign Racing 92 winger for start of next season|work=BBC Sport|date=13 March 2024|access-date=3 July 2024}}

=International career=

==Sevens==

Wade made his international sevens debut at the IRB Sevens World Series in Dubai in December 2009 and he scored 7 tries in George a week later, finishing joint top try scorer with Fijian wizard, William Ryder. He added 2 more in Wellington and three more tries in Las Vegas a week later. He scored 3 in London. Overall, he amassed 22 tries in 7 tournaments in the 2009–10 Series, which made him the 15th highest individual try scorer that season.{{cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/leaders-make-strong-start-in-hong-kong/28525980.html|title=Leaders make strong start in Hong Kong|work=Belfast Telegraph|date=26 March 2010|access-date=3 July 2024}} Wade was selected for the 17-man initial England rugby sevens training squad for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

==U20s==

Wade was a member of the England U20 squad that finished fourth at the 2010 IRB Junior World Championship and scored his only try of the tournament against hosts Argentina during the pool stage.{{Cite web|url=https://www.world.rugby/match/11243|title=Argentina 22-48 England|website=World Rugby|access-date=3 July 2024}} He was part of the side that completed a grand slam during the 2011 Six Nations Under 20s Championship and scored in the penultimate round against Scotland.{{cite news |url=https://www.rugbyworld.com/news/england-u20-chalked-up-a-confident-win-over-scotland-8945|title=England U20 chalk up a confident win over Scotland|first=Lesleigh|last=Mudaly|website=Rugby World|date=14 March 2011|access-date=3 July 2024}} Later that year he scored six tries at the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship including in the final against New Zealand which England lost to finish runners up.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jun/26/new-zealand-england-irb-world-final|title=New Zealand beat England in IRB Junior World Championship final|first=Martin|last=Pengelly|website=The Guardian|date=26 June 2011|access-date=3 July 2024}}{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2019/01/18/dan-robson-joins-club-2011-world-junior-final-england-new-zealand/|url-access=subscription|title=Dan Robson joins the club: How 2011 world junior final between England and New Zealand spawned 27 Test stars|first=Giles|last=Mole|website=The Daily Telegraph|date=18 January 2019|access-date=3 July 2024}}

==England, Saxons and Lions==

On 27 May 2012, Wade started for England against the Barbarians in an uncapped fixture at Twickenham which saw him score a try while also setting up Jonathan Joseph in the last play of the game with some elusive footwork in a 57–26 victory.{{cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12504/7777448/england-debut-for-wade|title=England debut for Wade|work=Sky Sports|date=25 May 2012|access-date=3 July 2024}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/18228063|title=England 57-26 Barbarians|first=James|last=Standley|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 May 2012|access-date=18 March 2014}} He was included on the 2012 tour of South Africa and scored a hat-trick during the trip.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/18428356|title=England unconvincing in win over SA Southern Barbarians|website=BBC Sport|date=13 June 2012|access-date=18 March 2014}}

Wade was a member of the senior squad for their 2013 tour of Argentina and scored during a warm-up 40–12 victory over the Barbarians.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/may/08/england-tom-wood-argentina-chris-robshaw|title=England make Tom Wood captain for Argentina as Chris Robshaw is rested|first=Robert|last=Kitson|website=The Guardian|date=8 May 2013|access-date=3 July 2024}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/22673139|title=England 40-12 Barbarians: Freddie Burns shines in win|website=BBC Sport|date=26 May 2013|access-date=18 March 2014}} On 8 June 2013 Wade made his Test debut playing the whole 80 minutes in a win against Los Pumas.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/argentina-3-england-32-match-report-christian-wade-excels-on-debut-in-england-rout-8650881.html|title=Argentina 3 England 32 match report: Christian Wade excels on debut in England rout|first=Alex|last=Lowe|website=The Independent|date=8 June 2013|access-date=3 July 2024}} This was ultimately his only cap for England.

Wade was selected for the second game against Argentina the following week but withdrew from the team when he was called up to join the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/22919615|title=Lions 2013: Christian Wade & Brad Barritt drafted into squad|website=BBC Sport|date=15 June 2013|access-date=14 January 2017}}{{cite web|title=Wade handed Lions call-up|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/lions-tour-2013/rugby/story/186081.html|work=espn.co.uk|access-date=15 June 2013}} He made his Lions debut on the right wing against the ACT Brumbies Super Rugby side.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/britishandirishlionsrugby/10125743/Lions-2013-Shane-Williams-backs-Englands-Christian-Wade-to-deliver-against-ACT-Brumbies-in-Canberra.html|url-access=subscription|title=Lions 2013: Shane Williams backs England's Christian Wade to deliver against ACT Brumbies in Canberra|first=Mick|last=Cleary|website=The Daily Telegraph|date=17 June 2013|access-date=3 July 2024}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/22943275|title=Lions 2013: Lions lose their 100% record as Brumbies earn 14-12 win|first=Bryn|last=Palmer|website=BBC Sport|date=18 June 2013|access-date=3 July 2024}}

Wade was initially selected to play against Argentina in the 2013 Autumn Internationals, however a slight hamstring tear meant he had to withdraw from the game. He was overlooked for the 2014 Internationals, but was selected for England Saxons to play against the Irish Wolfhounds.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/31045244|title=England Saxons win away to Ireland Wolfhounds|website=BBC Sport|date=30 January 2015|access-date=18 March 2015}} In June 2016 Wade scored the winning try for England Saxons as they completed a series win over South Africa A at Outeniqua Park.{{cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/south-africa-a-vs-eng-saxs/76735|title=England Saxons fight back to down South Africa 'A' and complete series whitewash|work=Sky Sports|date=17 June 2016|access-date=3 July 2024}}

==International tries==

Try	Opposing team	Location	Venue	Competition	Date	Result	Score
class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%"
†	Barbarians	London, England	Twickenham	Summer International	{{dts\|format=dmy\|2012\|5\|27}}	Win	57 – 26
‡ x3	South African Barbarians (South)	Kimberley, South Africa	Griquas Park	2012 Tour of South Africa	{{dts\|format=dmy\|2012\|6\|13}}	Win	54 – 26
†	Barbarians	London, England	Twickenham	Summer International	{{dts\|format=dmy\|2013\|5\|26}}	Win	40 – 12
†	Ireland Wolfhounds	Cork, Ireland	Musgrave Park		30 January 2015	Win	18 – 9

† Full international cap not awarded for Barbarians Test match.

‡ Full international cap not awarded for South African Barbarians South Test match.

American football career

In October 2018, Wade left rugby to pursue a career in the NFL, with Wasps releasing him from his contract.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/45911641|title=Christian Wade: Wasps winger quits rugby union for NFL career|first=Chris|last=Jones|website=BBC Sport|date=19 October 2018|access-date=19 October 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/45972176|title=Christian Wade: Wasps release NFL-bound winger from contract|work=BBC Sport|date=24 October 2018|access-date=24 October 2018}}

On 8 April 2019, Wade was allocated as a running back to the Buffalo Bills as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway program.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/47858826|title=Christian Wade: Ex-England winger signs for Buffalo Bills|work=BBC Sport|date=9 April 2019|access-date=9 April 2019}}{{cite web|title=NFL International player Christian Wade allocated to the Bills|url=https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-sign-nfl-international-player-christian-wade|author=Brown, Chris|website=BuffaloBills.com|date=8 April 2019|access-date=9 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409005547/https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-sign-nfl-international-player-christian-wade|archive-date=9 April 2019|url-status=dead}}

Several months later, on 9 August 2019, for his debut with his new team, Wade had a 65-yard touchdown run on his first carry in the pre-season game against the Indianapolis Colts.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/49289561|title=Christian Wade: Ex-Wasps player scores sensational 65-yard touchdown on Buffalo Bills debut|work=BBC Sport|date=9 August 2019|access-date=9 August 2019}}

On 31 August 2019, Wade was waived by the Bills and signed to the practice squad the next day.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/49539787|title=Christian Wade: Buffalo Bills choose not to pick former rugby player in NFL roster|work=BBC Sport|date=31 August 2019}}{{cite web|title=Bills cut roster down to 53 players|url=https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-cut-roster-down-to-53-players|author=Brown, Chris|website=BuffaloBills.com|date=August 31, 2019}}{{cite web|title=Bills begin to assemble practice squad, Christian Wade holds 11th exempt spot|url=https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-begin-to-assemble-practice-squad-christian-wade-holds-11th-exempt-spot|author=Brown, Chris|website=BuffaloBills.com|date=September 1, 2019}} He signed a reserve/future contract with the Bills on 6 January 2020.{{cite web|title=Bills sign 10 reserve/future free agents|url=https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-sign-10-reserve-future-free-agents|author=Brown, Chris|website=BuffaloBills.com|date=January 6, 2020}}

On 27 April 2020, Wade was given a roster exemption as an international player for a second season.{{cite news |title=Four International Players Added to Rosters for 2020 Season |url=https://operations.nfl.com/updates/football-ops/four-international-players-added-to-rosters-for-2020-season/ |website=NFL.com |date=27 April 2020 |access-date=28 April 2020}} He was waived on 5 September 2020, and signed to the practice squad the next day.{{cite web|title=Bills announce these moves to get to the 53-man roster limit|url=https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-announce-these-moves-to-get-to-the-53-man-roster-limit|author=Brown, Chris|website=BuffaloBills.com|date=September 5, 2020}}{{cite web|title=Bills announce the initial 2020 practice squad|url=https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-announce-the-initial-2020-practice-squad|website=BuffaloBills.com|date=September 6, 2020}} He was placed on the practice squad/COVID-19 list by the team on 28 December 2020,{{cite news |title=Bills activate John Brown and place him on Reserve/COVID-19 list |url=https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-activate-john-brown-and-place-him-on-reserve-covid-19-list |website=BuffaloBills.com |date=December 28, 2020 |access-date=February 9, 2021}} and restored to the practice squad four days later.{{cite news |author=Glab, Maddy |title=Bills activate John Brown from Reserve/COVID-19 list + announce these other moves |url=https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-activate-john-brown-from-reserve-covid-19-list-announce-these-other-moves |website=BuffaloBills.com |date=January 1, 2021 |access-date=February 9, 2021}} On 26 January 2021, Wade signed a reserves/futures contract with the Bills.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=January 26, 2021|title=Bills signed these 13 players to reserve/future contracts|url=https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-signed-these-13-players-to-reserve-future-contracts|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126220319/https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-signed-these-13-players-to-reserve-future-contracts |archive-date=26 January 2021 |access-date=2021-01-27|website=www.buffalobills.com}}

On 4 May 2021, Wade was given a roster exemption as an international player for a third season.{{cite news |title=Four Players Added to 2021 Rosters Through International Player Pathway Program |url=https://operations.nfl.com/updates/the-players/four-players-added-to-2021-rosters-through-international-player-pathway-program/ |website=NFL.com |date=4 May 2021 |access-date=5 May 2021}} On 1 April 2022, he was released by the Bills.{{Cite web|title=Buffalo Bills release RB Christian Wade|url=https://billswire.usatoday.com/2022/04/01/buffalo-bills-release-rb-christian-wade/|access-date=2023-01-15|website=billswire.usatoday.com|date=April 2022}}

Rugby league career

In April 2025, Wade signed a short-term contract with rugby league club Wigan Warriors until the end of the 2025 season, which will start at the conclusion of Gloucester's 2024–25 season.{{cite web |title=Christian Wade: Wigan Warriors sign former England winger for rest of season after switch from rugby union |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12196/13350976/christian-wade-wigan-warriors-sign-former-england-winger-for-rest-of-season-after-switch-from-rugby-union |website=Sky Sports |access-date=18 April 2025 |date=18 April 2025}} On 4 June Wade made his rugby league debut in a reserves game against Castleford Tigers at The Jungle, with no senior league games taking place that weekend as a result of the Challenge Cup final. Wigan won the game 56–10.https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/christian-wade-makes-super-league-debut-admission-after-first-wigan-appearancehttps://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2025/06/05/reserves-beat-castleford/

References

External links

{{ESPNscrum|116831}}
{{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116133325/http://rfu.com/squadsandplayers/englandsaxons/christianwade |title=England Rugby Profile }}
[http://wasps.co.uk/players-staff/player/155017Christian-Wade Wasps Profile]
{{Power of 10|47696}}

Category:1991 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century English sportsmen

Category:Alumni of St Mary's University, Twickenham

Category:Black British sportsmen

Category:British & Irish Lions rugby union players from England

Category:Buffalo Bills players

Category:England international rugby union players

Category:English expatriate rugby union players in France

Category:English expatriate sportspeople in the United States

Category:English players of American football

Category:English rugby league players