It's official: Christian Wade eyeing rugby return

Former Wasps flyer Christian Wade has confirmed he’s eyeing up a return to rugby after getting cut by the Buffalo Bills.

Wade has spent three years at Bills but despite scoring a touchdown with his first competitive touch of a football; injury, age and a lack of experience ultimately cost him.

Although his decision has come at the tail end of the transfer season, the 31-year-old is likely to pique the interest of clubs, who will be eager to capitalise on his try scoring pedigree.

Joel Kpoku | Le French Rugby Podcast | EP 30

Lyon’s player of the match in the win over Wasps that saw them through to a first major final since 1933, Joel Kpoku, joins us to discuss making a big impression early on in his career in France, what went wrong for him at Saracens, international aspirations and much more. We talk Sarries’ big dogs, lazy comparisons to Maro Itoje, Eddie Jones, the slower pace of life in France, salary caps and, of course, round up all the European semi-final action. Plus, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
Use the code FRENCHPOD20 at checkout for 20% off any full price item at Meater.com

Joel Kpoku | Le French Rugby Podcast | EP 30

Lyon’s player of the match in the win over Wasps that saw them through to a first major final since 1933, Joel Kpoku, joins us to discuss making a big impression early on in his career in France, what went wrong for him at Saracens, international aspirations and much more. We talk Sarries’ big dogs, lazy comparisons to Maro Itoje, Eddie Jones, the slower pace of life in France, salary caps and, of course, round up all the European semi-final action. Plus, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
Use the code FRENCHPOD20 at checkout for 20% off any full price item at Meater.com

Now Wade has told the BBC that he is looking at a return to union as a very real option.

“I’m just looking at what the next move will be for me,” Wade said.

“Whether I continue to pursue NFL, whether I look at rugby again – because I am starting to build up an appetite for it after being away for so long,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“Ultimately I am intrigued what value [rugby union] teams can see that I could bring to them, now that I’ve had those three years away,” he added.

“It’s quite intriguing to see where those teams place me now if I was to join them.

“You add my NFL experience – an elite part of sport – that’s something I can bring to teams now as well.”

The Premiership’s third highest all-time try scorer is eager renew a friendly rivalry with arch finisher Chris Ashton.

“There’s been a rivalry and stuff like that – me and Chris go back a while now.

“When I came into the league he was England number one – scoring tries, ‘Ash the splash’, then eventually I came through the ranks and we were battling it out for that number 14 shirt.

“I’m really happy that he’s been able to achieve what he’s achieved but if I was to come back to the Premiership there’s no doubt in my mind that he won’t be holding that record for very long.

“I think he knows that as well.

“We’ll have to wait and see if I do make a return back to the Premiership to reclaim that title.”