Wade a step closer to code switch?
NEWS: Christian Wade, the third highest try-scorer in English Premiership history, announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 27 – amid rumours of a move to the NFL.
The wing – who in spite of his try-scoring record was capped just once by England in 2013 – has reportedly been targeting a shot at the NFL.
Although his move to American football is yet to be confirmed, he is expected to attempt to follow the league’s International Player Pathway Programme.
However, his Premiership club Wasps did not explain why he was retiring.
Wade said personal reasons lay behind the decision to hang up his boots after a career which saw him score 82 tries for the club in seven years.
“After playing nine years of professional sport for Wasps, I’ve decided to leave for personal reasons,” said Wade.
“I would like to thank Wasps chairman Derek Richardson and Dai [Young, Director of Rugby] for their support, consideration and understanding of what is the most difficult decision of my life.
“I have loved the sport since I was introduced to it at the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe. I would, therefore, like to thank everyone who has played a part in shaping my career.”
Young said Wade would not budge on his decision despite the club trying to persuade him otherwise.
“It’s very disappointing to lose a player of Wadey’s quality at this stage of the season,” Young said.
“The club held numerous discussions with him to try and convince him to keep pushing forward with Wasps, but in the end, it was clear this is the path he wished to go down.
“The club nevertheless wants to wish him all the best with his future career path and put on record our thanks for the contribution Christian has made to Wasps rugby.”
After @bathrugby led at the half-time, @WaspsRugby turned it right around after the break 😳
No thanks to this bull-dozing score from Ashley Johnson after some lightning fast hands in midfield 👌
Was this the try of the match? #ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/l5cu2KeZYW
— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) October 21, 2018
* Meanwhile Italy centre Michele Campagnaro, rumoured to be a target for English Premiership side Wasps, has reached agreement to be released from his contract with Exeter Chiefs.
The 25-year-old – due to captain Italy in their Test against Six Nations Grand Slam holders Ireland next week – has scored nine tries in 27 appearances for the 2017 English champions since joining from Benetton Treviso in 2015.
“Exeter Chiefs have agreed to release Michele Campagnaro from his playing contract with the Gallagher Premiership club from October 31,” Exeter said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The Italy international, who joined the club in the summer of 2015 from Benetton Treviso, will then become a free agent.”
Agence France-Presse
