Christian Wade signs for Racing 92

Former England winger Christian Wade has confirmed that he is returning to rugby union – signing a contract with Top 14 side Racing 92.

The ex-Wasps flyer has been linked with Racing for much of the summer and represented the Parisians at a sevens event last month – where he scored two tries.

Wade confirmed the switch on Twitter, writing: “I’m excited to announce I’ve officially signed for Racing 92. Looking forward to working with this special group of people and winning championships! With God, all things are possible.”

I’m excited to announce I’ve officially signed for @racing92
Looking forward to working with this special group of people and winning championships!
With God, all things are possible ???? pic.twitter.com/FzOePyR5sk

— Christian Wade (@ChristianWade3) September 12, 2022

Wade left rugby in 2018 to pursue a career in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, making an instant impact in his first pre-season game with a 65-metre touchdown with his very first touch of the ball.

His time trying to break into the sport came to an end earlier this year and he admitted that he was toying with the idea of a return to rugby union.

Racing 92 signed rugby league star Regan Grace from St Helens earlier this year only for the young Welshman to suffer a serious Achilles injury, leaving the blue and whites on the lookout for a replacement. The 31-year-old Wade fit the bill for the French giants and he now be hoping to light up the Paris La Défense Arena.

Despite not playing a rugby match in four years, Wade is still ranked as the fourth-highest Premiership try-scorer of all time. His tally of 82 is 13 just tries behind Chris Ashton of Leicester who took the No1 position off Tom Varndell earlier this year.

The 5’9, 85kg winger spent eight and a half seasons at Wasps, making 165 appearances for the club before trying his luck in American football. Since his return to England, he has launched a series of next-gen rugby camps aimed at upskilling young players.

He won just a single full Test cap for England, in a game against Argentina in 2013, although he featured against the Barbarians in an uncapped game in Twickenham in 2015.