Wasps winger Christian Wade looks set for a shocking switch from Rugby Union to American football after it emerged he would be leaving the Coventry based team to pursue a future in the NFL.

Wade, who received his first and only cap for England in 2013, is currently third in the all-time Premiership try-scorers list with 82 tries all of which coming for Wasps.

The 27-Year-old is the third professional rugby player over the last two years to have made the transition from Rugby to American football. Alex Gray made the switch from professional sevens rugby in 2017 and joined the Atlanta Falcons, while Christian Scotland-Williamson, a former lock for Worcester Warriors joined The Pittsburgh Steelers as a tight-end in 2018.

What sets Wade apart from the previous players who have made the switch from Rugby to the NFL is his size and speed. Where Alex Gray and Christian Scott-Williamson are both tall, heavy individuals, Christian Wade is comparatively very short, standing at only 5’8”, he would be the fifth shortest player in the league if he does sign to an NFL team.

Wade’s speed and agility would make him an offensive threat for any team. However, as is the case for all previous players who have made the switch, a lot of training is required if he’s to make an impact in the NFL.

Here’s some of what Wasps will miss if Wade is to switch to the NFL:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDcVaulPdDY&w=560&h=315]

 

Words: George Robson I Subbing: Lee Pearson