Billy Boston did it. So too did Martin Offiah. Can Christian Wade now follow in their footsteps of crossing codes to make his mark with Wigan Warriors?
News the former England rugby union international winger would be joining on a contract until the end of the 2025 when his current contract with Gallagher Premiership side Gloucester expires was announced prior to Wigan’s home Good Friday derby against St Helens.
At 33, Wade is switching to the 13-a-side code much later in his career than either Boston or Offiah did, so even if it becomes a more permanent move he is somewhat unlikely to get near the hauls of the players ranked second and third on the British rugby league all-time try-scorers list with 571 and 481 respectively.
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Yet a record of 73 tries in 123 Premiership and French Top 14 appearances, which sandwich his attempt to make it as a running back in the NFL between 2019 and 2022, underline the danger he poses as Wade makes a move he has been considering for some time.
“For me, it’s been a long time coming, since 2018 when I left rugby union and people saw my appetite to leave rugby,” Wade told Sky Sports.
“That’s when I started getting a few calls about playing league and it wasn’t the right time.
“But with me becoming available this summer, Wigan came and asked if I’d was going to be up for the challenge and this will be my third professional sport I’ve played, and I was like ‘Yeah, I’m definitely down to do it’.”
Welcome to #SuperLeague, @ChristianWade3 😍
Joining @WiganWarriorsRL on a short-term deal until the end of 2025 following the conclusion of the Premiership Rugby season 🙌 pic.twitter.com/sJijNartjQ
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 18, 2025
Wade joined Gloucester from French side Racing 92 ahead of the 2024-25 season and is currently the Premiership’s joint-second highest try-scorer with seven.
According to Opta, he has a total of 10 try involvements, and is currently averaging a tackle evasion rate of 35.9 percent plus a gainline percentage of 69.2 from 65 carries.
One person who is in no doubt Wade can have a big impact in league is Wigan icon Shaun Edwards, who coached him when he was making his way with Wasps and now served as the France national rugby union team’s defence coach.
“I’m sure with the good coaching he’s going to get at Wigan and the help from his team-mates, he’ll definitely make an impression,” Edwards told Sky Sports.
“And trust me, if someone makes a break and he’s outside of them, you’re not going to catch him.”
Wade has shown adaptability in his career too after deciding to swap the 15-a-side code for the gridiron game six years ago.
Although he did not make the active roster during his time with the Buffalo Bills, he did show glimpses of potential in pre-season appearances including a 65-yard touchdown on his first carry against the Indianapolis Colts.
Making the switch from union to league should be a somewhat smoother transition, although Wade acknowledges there will be plenty to take on board as he competes with current Wigan wingers Liam Marshall and Abbas Miski for a place in the team.
“I know I’ve got a lot to learn and it’s a different game, but I’m going to back my skills and there are a lot of great coaches and mentors around who I can speak to,” Wade said.
“It’s going to be another challenge, but everyone know I’m not afraid of a challenge and I’m really looking forward to it.”
