Wigan Warriors have pulled off a surprising new signing of former rugby union and NFL player Christian Wade.
Wade spent seven years at rugby union side Wasps before joining the Buffalo Bills in the NFL International Player Pathway programme.
Speaking to Sky Sports’ Jenna Brooks before the Wigan Warriors match against St Helens on Good Friday, he shared his excitement about joining the rugby league club.
He said: “What other team would you want to sign for? For me, it’s been a long time coming since 2018 when I left rugby union.
“People saw my appetite to leave rugby (union), and that’s when I started getting a few calls about playing in the league, and it wasn’t the right time.
“But with me becoming available this summer, Wigan came and asked if I was going to be up for the challenge, and this will be my third professional sport. I’m definitely down to do it.”
The 33-year-old will link up with the Warriors at the end of the rugby union Premiership season until the end of the 2025 rugby league season.
Wade added: “My main focus is finishing the season with Gloucester, we’ve got five more games left guaranteed. Hopefully, we make it to the play-offs and get some silverware, but once the season is over, I’ll be coming over to Wigan to join the guys.”
When asked about where he will fit into the squad, he admitted that he has a way to go to switch from union to league.
He finished: “I think initially it will be straight onto the wing. I know I’ve got a lot to learn and that it’s a different game, but I’m going to back my skills.
“There are a lot of great coaches around and mentors who I can speak to, such as Martin Offiah and Shaun Edwards.
“It’s going to be another challenge, but everyone knows that I’m not afraid of a challenge.”
BREAKING: Former England rugby union international Christian Wade signs for Wigan Warriors 📝 pic.twitter.com/IGhGJ1tIzp
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) April 18, 2025
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