In a stunning move that has sent ripples through the rugby world, Wigan Warriors announced the signing of former England rugby union winger and NFL running back Christian Wade on a short-term deal. This announcement came on April 18, 2025, and Wade will join the Super League champions following the conclusion of his season with Gloucester Rugby.
The 33-year-old Wade, who previously spent seven successful years with Wasps, where he scored an impressive 82 tries, is set to switch codes and make his debut for Wigan in May 2025. This transfer marks a significant chapter in Wade's career, who has transitioned between rugby union and American football in recent years. In 2018, he left rugby to pursue a career in the NFL, signing with the Buffalo Bills as part of the league's International Player Pathway Programme. Although he showcased his talent with a memorable 65-yard touchdown during pre-season, Wade never made a regular-season appearance for the Bills.
After his stint in the NFL, Wade returned to rugby union, joining Racing 92 in France before signing with Gloucester for the current season. During his time at Gloucester, he has made a notable impact, scoring seven tries in just ten Premiership matches, including two hat-tricks, bringing his total to 89 tries in his professional career, positioning him fourth on the all-time list for the league.
Wade was introduced to the Wigan crowd prior to their Good Friday derby against St Helens, where he expressed his excitement about joining the Warriors. "I'm excited to join Wigan Warriors, a club with a tremendous legacy," Wade remarked. "I'm honoured to be joining a list of legendary players who have played for this club. I'm looking forward to this next chapter in my career and I can't wait to get started." His enthusiasm was evident, and he acknowledged the support he received during his time at Gloucester, stating, "It's been a real honour to play for Gloucester over the past year. I’ve loved playing Gallagher Premiership rugby again."
Wigan Warriors CEO Kris Radlinski emphasized the significance of Wade's signing, noting that the new Talent Pool Exemption was specifically designed for such recruitment. "Christian is an exceptional athlete with highly transferable skills suited to Rugby League. His impressive track record speaks for itself and we are genuinely excited about the impact he can make throughout the remainder of the 2025 season," Radlinski shared.
Warriors head coach Matt Peet also expressed his anticipation for Wade's arrival. "We look forward to welcoming Christian and his partner Lisa to Wigan. As well as working hard to learn a new sport, we are expecting Christian to bring his own personality to the team in terms of his athleticism, skill, and experience. I know Wigan fans will be excited and give him an amazing welcome," Peet stated.
Wigan legend Martin Offiah, who himself made the switch from rugby union to rugby league, hailed Wade's signing as a monumental moment for the sport. "Wigan's signing of Christian Wade is the biggest coup for the sport of rugby league since Jonathan Davies joined me at Widnes back in the 80s," Offiah declared. His words reflect the high expectations surrounding Wade's potential contributions to the team.
Wade's journey through various sporting codes is a testament to his versatility and athletic prowess. He also represented England in 2012 in an uncapped fixture against the Barbarians and played for England A and the U20s. His diverse experiences across rugby union and league, combined with his brief foray into the NFL, position him as a unique asset for Wigan as they aim to reinforce their squad for the remainder of the season.
As Wade prepares to don the Wigan jersey, fans are eagerly anticipating how his skills will translate to rugby league. The Warriors are currently in a competitive environment, and Wade's addition could be pivotal as they pursue further success in the Super League.
Looking ahead, Wigan will be facing off against their arch-rivals St Helens later today, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric. With Wade's signing fresh in the minds of supporters, his presence at the game will undoubtedly add to the excitement. As the club gears up for the rest of the season, all eyes will be on how Wade adapts to his new role and what impact he will have on the pitch.
In conclusion, Christian Wade's transition to Wigan Warriors marks not just a personal milestone for the player, but also a significant event in the rugby league landscape. With the potential to make a lasting impact, Wade's journey is one to watch as he embarks on this new chapter in his athletic career.
