Archives for April 9, 2019

‘The 27-year-old former Wasps winger was the Premiership’s all-time third-highest try scorer when he decided to quit the sport in October 2018 to move Stateside.’

‘Christian Wade will have a shot at the American dream after he was signed by the Buffalo Bills NFL side six months after sensationally quitting rugby.’

‘Wade participated in an NFL Pro Day last week, recording a time of 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash which compares favourably to the top time by a running back at this year’s NFL Combine for all rookies, Oklahoma’s Justice Hill, who ran a 4.4.’

‘“The NFL teams want players who can help them win right now and we truly believe that Christian can do that in some capacity this year,” Bryce told The Daily Telegraph. “He has that mentality to come in and compete every day. He has got to take that mindset and apply it right now. If you are a punt returner it requires a lot less from you. People make the team because they can return kicks, which Christian can certainly do. If he showcases that when he gets to Buffalo then he is going to be in the mix.”’

‘When asked about what his message is to Bills fans, Wade said: ”I know that they are an extremely passionate group and that there is bound to be a lot of table jumping. I love it and can’t wait to see how they do things out there, get stuck into the culture and learn as much about Buffalo as possible.”‘

‘“It’s like learning a new language,” Wade said. “You must go into a classroom and learn something completely new in a short period of time. It’s been a real test and will continue to be so as I’ve only scratched the surface of what is required.”‘

‘”The mental side has been a real test. It continues to be as I’ve still only scratched the surface of what I’m going to need to know.”‘

‘Buffalo have designated that Wade will be a running back, a position that relies on footwork and agility and translates readily from his time as a wing in the Premiership during which he scored 82 tries.’

‘Wade scored 82 tries in 132 matches, ranking him third highest in Premiership history, but he only managed one Test cap for one England and one mid-week outing with the Lions before falling out of international favour.’

‘Wade was regarded as one of the most devastating finishers in English rugby during his club career but found opportunities to represent England at international level limited.’