Here’s the news write-up on Christian Wade’s move:
Christian Wade Makes Dramatic Cross-Code Move to Wigan Warriors 🚨
Wigan, April 18, 2025 – Wigan Warriors have secured a high-profile cross-code signing, bringing in former England rugby union winger and ex-NFL running back Christian Wade on a short-term deal for the remainder of the Super League season .
The 33‑year‑old winger, who starred at Wasps—scoring 82 tries in Premiership rugby—and earned a cap for England in 2013, joined Gloucester for the 2024–25 season. With an impressive tally of 89 career Premiership tries, Wade departs Gloucester for Wigan as soon as their campaign concludes .
Wade’s career has already crossed multiple sporting boundaries: he left rugby union in 2018 to pursue a stint in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, before returning to union with Racing 92 and Gloucester . Now he’s poised to take on rugby league at the highest domestic level in England.
Wigan CEO Kris Radlinski said: “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” .
Head coach Matt Peet echoed the optimism: “We look forward to welcoming Christian and his partner Lisa to Wigan. As well as working hard to learn a new sport, we expect Christian to bring his athleticism, skill and experience.”
Legendary Wigan figure Martin Offiah MBE described the signing as “the biggest coup for the sport of rugby league since Jonathan Davies joined me at Widnes back in the ’80s”
Wade has embraced the challenge, telling Sky Sports, “I’m excited to join Wigan Warriors, a club with a tremendous legacy. I’m honoured to join such legendary company… I can’t wait to get started” .
His journey is set to continue in June, with Wade expected to begin training with Wigan’s reserves immediately after Gloucester’s final league game. He made his debut in a reserves win over Castleford on June 4, shining in a dominant 56–10 victory .
The deal runs through October—covering the remaining Super League season. What happens beyond then remains open-ended. As Wade himself stated: “Let’s just see how it goes… Let’s just enjoy the ride” .
This phenomenally bold move could mark a defining moment—not only in Wade’s career, but also in the crossover history of English rugby.
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