Wigan Warriors have signed former England rugby union winger and NFL running back Christian Wade on a short-term deal.
The 33-year-old former Wasps and Racing 92 star will link up with the Super League and world club champions after Gloucester’s season has ended.
Wade has scored seven tries for Gloucester in 10 Premiership matches – including two hat-tricks – to take his try-scoring tally to 89, fourth on the league’s all-time list.
“I’m excited for the challenge, but for now, my focus remains wholly on finishing the season strongly with Gloucester,” Wade said, external.
Wade previously scored 82 tries in seven seasons with Wasps before joining Buffalo Bills as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Programme in 2018.
He scored a 65-yard touchdown on his debut for the Bills during pre-season, but never made a regular-season appearance.
he returned to rugby union in 2022 with a move to Racing, before linking up with Gloucester last summer.
Wigan legend Martin Offiah, who himself left rugby union to join Widnes in 1987, said Wade’s signing was big 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,” he said.
Wigan head coach Matty Peet told the club website: “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.”
