WASPS WINGER CHRISTIAN Wade has announced his retirement from rugby union amid continued reports the England international is seeking a move into American football.
The 27-year-old – the third-most prolific try-scorer in Premiership history — has been released from his Wasps contract on confidential terms, the club said in a statement this evening.
Wade, who has won one England cap, is reportedly pursuing a career in the NFL bia the league’s International Player Pathway Programme.
“After playing nine years of professional sport for Wasps, I’ve decided to leave for personal reasons,” he said.
“I would like to thank Wasps Chairman Derek Richardson and Dai [Young, director of rugby] for their support, consideration and understanding in what is the most difficult decision of my life.
“I have loved the sport since I was introduced to it at the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe. I would therefore like to thank everyone who has played a part in shaping my career.
“Rugby has privileged and honoured me with so many wonderful memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
“Finally, I want to thank my Wasps family: the Club, my team mates and especially the fans – you have always been superb to me.
I wish everyone here all the very best for the future.
Wade did not feature in either of Wasps’ opening Heineken Champions Cup games, the crushing defeat to Leinster and 35-35 draw with Bath, amid the reports.
His sole international cap came against Argentina in 2013, and the flying winger has reportedly grown increasingly frustrated at being overlooked by head coach Eddie Jones.
Should he land a deal in American football, he would follow in the footsteps of former England Sevens international Alex Gray and ex-Worcester Warriors lock Christian Scotland-Williamson in swapping rugby union for the NFL.
Young added: “It’s very disappointing to lose a player of Wadey’s quality at this stage of the season.
The Club held numerous discussions with him to try and convince him to keep pushing forward with Wasps, but in the end it was clear this is the path he wished to go down.
“The Club nevertheless wants to wish him all the best with his future career path and put on record our thanks for the contribution Christian has made to Wasps Rugby.”
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He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)