It’s widely expected that Christian Wade will leave Wigan Warriors at the end of the season and there is now more clarity on his future.
Former rugby union and NFL player Wade made the shock signing with champions Wigan at this year’s Good Friday derby against St Helens. Announced as a new recruit ahead of the game, Wade would sign when his rugby union season with Gloucester concluded.
That saw him link up with the Cherry and Whites in the summer and after a number of games in the reserves and amid a number of injuries to Matt Peet’s side, Wade made his Wigan Warriors’ debut against Huddersfield Giants.
He’d play again against Hull FC in a match which highlighted the very best and very worst of the veteran winger as he scored a scintillating try but was also bombarded and targeted with the high ball, which he simply could not deal with.
Wade hasn’t played since then and with his deal only running until the end of the season, it seems that an exit from the Brick Community Stadium looms large.
Wigan Warriors exit looms large with Wade set to chase Union record
That was reported by RugbyPass over the weekend with a return to the Gallagher Premiership, the top flight of domestic rugby union, touted, however, more details have now emerged courtesy of The Telegraph.
That report links Wade with a move to Newcastle who have recently rebranded as Newcastle Red Bulls following major investment from the global brand.
Previously named the Falcons, Newcastle have struggled domestically for some time but the new investment brings with it new aims and targets and Christian Wade is reportedly one of those targets.
As well as looking to bolster their chances by appointing current Scotland coach Gregor Townsend as their director of rugby, the Red Bulls are also reportedly keen to add Christian Wade.
For Wade, it’s a move that makes perfect sense with the 34-year-old just eight tries short of the all-time Gallagher Premiership try-scoring record.
The man he is chasing down is another former Wigan Warriors player in Chris Ashton, the only man to surpass 100 tries in the competition’s history.
