Gloucester have confirmed the signing of former England wing Christian Wade, who took up the NFL’s International Player Pathway in 2018 before returning to the game in 2022 with Racing 92.
Wade, who previously donned the colours of Wasps in the Premiership, was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2019 but never played a competitive NFL match for the team.
The electric runner has been brought in to fill the gap left by Louis Rees-Zammit, who is embarking on his own NFL International Player Pathway journey as Wade did all those years ago. It was a hammer blow for both Gloucester and Wales with the wing announcing his decision on the eve of the Six Nations squad announcement.
Opinion: How Louis Rees-Zammit’s NFL switch reflects on the state of rugby
Wade joins Gloucester from next season and is excited to get back into the Premiership after all the years away.
“I’m excited to be returning to the Premiership next season and for a great club like Gloucester,” Wade said.
“After speaking with George (Skivington), I believe in his vision and ambition for the team and I can’t wait to play my part in that.
“I have fond memories of playing at Kingsholm in Wasps colours so I’m looking forward to getting out there in Cherry & White next season.”
Gloucester boss George Skivington is pleased with the physical condition of Wade and believes the Englishman has not lost his nose for the try-line. The coach also believes the experience of the travelled star will be useful for the group.
Skivington said: “It’s been clear since he returned from America that he has come back in even better shape and still has that sixth sense for the try line that he had before he left.
“We’ve got a pretty exciting stock of back three players here, but it’s hugely pleasing to add someone of Christian’s experience to that group.”
